2-1-1 Idaho CareLine

Are You Being Scammed?

Recently, the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine has received calls from people reporting they received calls from 2-1-1 and were asked to provide personal information such as their bank account information, information about their Health and Welfare benefits or Social Security benefits. When receiving these calls, people report the 2-1-1 phone number was shown on their caller I.D display. These calls are not being made from the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine call center.

These calls are coming from thieves who are trying to steal your money or your identity. The Better Business Bureau reports that these thieves are able to manipulate caller I.D. to display recognizable numbers that help convince people the call is legitimate.

1. The 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine service is totally free. 2-1-1 operators would never try to charge you for any service nor ask you for your banking information.
2. The 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine is an information referral service for health and human services. While the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine can give you general information about Health and Welfare or Social Security benefits, 2-1-1 does not approve, decline, or make any changes to Health and Welfare or Social Security cases.
3. The 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine call center is located in one central office. There are no branch offices.
4. Due to the mechanics of the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine phone system, calls made from the 2-1-1 call center do not display as '2-1-1' on caller I.D. displays.

If you are ever in doubt about whether you are actually speaking to an operator at the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine:

1. Ask for the name of the person you are speaking with. A 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine operator would not hesitate to provide their name.
2. Tell the person you are speaking with you will call them back.
3. Dial 2-1-1 and ask to speak with the same person.

If you receive a false 2-1-1 call, write down as much information from the caller as possible. What is the caller's name, what is their location, what are they asking for, what are they telling you they can do for you, etc. This helps make a thorough report to then better warn others. Report this information to the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine and to your local non-emergency police contact.

E-Library Reference

• Also see: "Identity Theft"