North Central Health District

Georgia Health Officials Warn of Potential Phone Scam

Posted February 8, 2017 by Michael Hokanson

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is receiving complaints from residents of Georgia and residents of other states about suspicious phone calls.

Many of the calls appear to come from a Georgia DPH phone number.

 “Right now, we do not know the real reason for the calls or what the caller is truly looking for,” said Rick Keheley, DPH’s inspector general. “We do know the calls are not coming from the Georgia Department of Public Health.”

 DPH encourages residents to be extremely cautious when participating in health-related telephone surveys.

 DPH does occasionally use telephone surveys to gain information on health trends and it is important to understand the difference. DPH:

 ·         Will never ask for religious information

·         Will never ask for credit card information

·         Will never try to sell goods or services

·         Will always provide call back or contact information for verification

 Residents with questions or those wishing to report a suspicious call should contact DPH’s Office of Inspector General at (404) 656-4409 or reportdphfraud@dhr.state.ga.us