Beware of Calls from 844-306-4159

Have you ever picked up your phone and heard someone claiming to be from United Healthcare, speaking with a foreign accent, asking about your prescriptions or personal details?

If the number was 844-306-4159, you’re not alone in feeling suspicious. Let’s break down what’s been happening with these calls and whether you should be concerned about a potential scam.

The Pattern of Reports

The comments about calls from 844-306-4159 share a common theme: someone with a foreign accent, often described as “Hindu” or “Indian,” calls claiming to be from United Healthcare. The caller typically asks for personal information, such as a birthdate or details about prescriptions. Here’s a breakdown of the types of interactions reported:

1. Request for Personal Information: Several individuals mentioned that the caller asked for sensitive personal information, like birthdates or details about prescriptions. This is a classic red flag in scam calls where the scammer aims to gather enough information to commit identity theft or fraud.

2. Claims Related to Prescriptions or Medical Information: Many calls were allegedly about refilling prescriptions or discussing overdue medications. Callers often ask for personal information under the guise of discussing prescriptions.

3. Disconnection and Repeated Calls: Some users reported that the call disconnected abruptly, citing “security reasons.” Additionally, several commenters noted persistent calls—even after blocking the number.

4. Automated Messages and Robocalls: Some comments mentioned receiving automated voicemails purporting to be from United Healthcare. These messages often request a callback, another hallmark of scam tactics where scammers try to initiate direct communication.

5. Suspicious Caller ID: Users pointed out inconsistencies in the caller ID display, such as the name “Unitedhealth” without proper capitalization, which could indicate spoofing—where a scammer manipulates the caller ID to display a legitimate organization’s name.

Conflicting Opinions

While the majority of comments suggest a scam, there are a few dissenting opinions. Some individuals mentioned that the calls are legitimate and related to the United Healthcare AARP Health Plan, claiming that they frequently receive such calls regarding prescriptions. However, this is not corroborated by the official stance of United Healthcare.

Official Confirmation from United Healthcare

Several commenters took the additional step of verifying the legitimacy of these calls with United Healthcare directly. After hanging up, they contacted United Healthcare, who confirmed that they had no record of the phone number or any reason to call regarding pharmacy information. United Healthcare informed callers that they would never ask for personal information over the phone.

Conclusion: Highly Likely to Be a Scam

Based on the overwhelming evidence presented in these comments, it seems highly probable that calls from 844-306-4159 are part of a scam. The patterns of behavior—requests for personal information, claims about prescriptions, disconnections, and repeated calls—are all consistent with common phone scam tactics. Furthermore, official confirmation from United Healthcare that they do not use this number or make such requests reinforces the likelihood that these calls are fraudulent.

If you receive a call from this number or a similar one, exercise caution. Do not provide any personal information over the phone, and consider blocking the number. Always verify the legitimacy of any call by contacting the organization directly using a phone number you know is genuine, such as the one on your insurance card. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your personal information from potential scammers.