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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Police Department is cautioning citizens of another scam hitting Ottumwa. 

With this scam, the victim receives a telephone call from a person who says they are with either Medicare or Medicaid, and that the caller wants to set up an appointment to come to the victim’s home to talk about changes in their coverage. 

It appears the scammers are attempting to gain access to homes in order to steal property or obtain personal information, such as bank account numbers. 

Medicare and Medicaid representatives assure the police department that they do not make home visits to discuss a client’s coverage. 

The police department recommends immediately hanging up on this type of caller and recommends never give a stranger access to your home.

As a reminder, police also advise never to give out any personal or bank account information over the telephone, Internet, or in person unless you initiated the contact first and it is with a reliable person or business.


Information provided by Ottumwa Police Department.