Government Shutdown Triggers Spike in Scam Phone Calls

Experts Warn of Rise in Scam Calls During Government Shutdown

The Philadelphia region is seeing a sharp increase in scam phone calls following the government shutdown, according to a recent report from 6abc Action News.

The station reports an 80% increase in unwanted calls, with fraudulent calls up 50%, as scammers exploit confusion around government programs and benefits.

SNAP and Medicare Scams on the Rise

Experts say the most common scams right now involve SNAP benefits and open enrollment for Affordable Care Act and Medicare plans. Callers claim to offer emergency food assistance, reduced insurance premiums, or “free” plan reviews, often using urgent language to pressure people into acting quickly.

Examples of recent scam calls shared by Nomorobo, the scam blocking service, include offers for free groceries, gas, prescriptions, and monthly stipends, as well as claims that SNAP benefits are being reduced unless recipients act immediately.

Some callers instruct victims to “press 1” to confirm eligibility or receive a secure link. Experts warn this sense of urgency is a major red flag.

Don’t Press Anything

According to the report, pressing buttons or engaging with these calls can lead to identity theft or financial loss. In some cases, scammers do enroll people in plans but skim money off the top, leaving consumers paying far more than expected.

Matt Mizenko, General Manager of Nomorobo, shared three simple rules to follow when dealing with suspicious calls:

• Never give out personal information

• If something seems weird, hang up immediately

• Spread the word to help others avoid the scam

Consumers are encouraged to report scam calls at https://www.donotcall.gov and share their experiences to help raise awareness.

Learn more about how Nomorobo helps block scam calls and texts before they reach your phone at https://www.nomorobo.com/fraudfighters.