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A classified ad appearing in the Boonville Daily News which sought employers within the medical field is now suspected to be a scheme.
Originally appearing in the Oct. 18-21 editions of the Boonville Daily News, the ad sought "medical associates for a busy, local practice." The ad followed, requesting "strong computer skills and billing background helpful." It offered $12-13 per hour depending on experience.
When placing the ad, the caller stated they worked for Columbia Dermatology and left a phone number of 855-285-1025 for interested applicants.
On Wednesday, the Boonville Daily News was made aware via phone call that no such employee worked at Columbia Dermatology and that the office did not place the ad.
A quick call to the number listed on the ad lead reporters to a recorded male voice stating "if you're calling about the ad in the paper, you have the right number." In 90 seconds, the voice offers a claims processing job that pays up to $7 per claim and allows employees to work from home.
The catch comes when the voice requires the purchase of computer software for $199. Though they offer a 90-day trial period and full refund if unsatisfied, the message then asks for your name and phone number for a return call.
"I see all kinds of problems with this," said Boonville Police Department Lieutenant Bob Welliver. "I would assume that this is some kind of scam."
A Google search of the phone number revealed several consumer complaints against the number, also deeming it a scam. The Watertown Daily Times in Ogdensburg, NY reported the same situation in their newspaper on Jan. 13.
A call to the Missouri Attorney General's Office revealed no reported incidences involving the number.
"This is a hard one to pin charges on," Welliver said. "The number isn't easily traceable and this individual has reportedly done this same thing in other places across the country."
Welliver did track the number to Telecentrex Communications located in California. The company's website boasts "state-of-the-art business class telephony services," and monthly subscription fees at "a fraction of what the cost would be to implement similar service in-house."
At the local level, Welliver said anyone who responded to the ad or sent in the $199 software fee should file a report with the Boonville Police Department right away.
"Number one, If someone did call and is out the money, we will follow up on that," he said. "Number two, never ever send money for a job. Most legitimate jobs don't require money up front. I never would have guessed something like this would happen."
- If you feel you have been scammed through this ad, feel free to report your story to the Daily News at 660-882-5335. To file a consumer complaint online with the Missouri Attorney General's Office, visit www.consumer.ago.mo.gov. The Boonville Police Department can be reached at 660-882-2727.
A classified ad appearing in the Boonville Daily News which sought employers within the medical field is now suspected to be a scheme.
Originally appearing in the Oct. 18-21 editions of the Boonville Daily News, the ad sought "medical associates for a busy, local practice." The ad followed, requesting "strong computer skills and billing background helpful." It offered $12-13 per hour depending on experience.
When placing the ad, the caller stated they worked for Columbia Dermatology and left a phone number of 855-285-1025 for interested applicants.
On Wednesday, the Boonville Daily News was made aware via phone call that no such employee worked at Columbia Dermatology and that the office did not place the ad.
A quick call to the number listed on the ad lead reporters to a recorded male voice stating "if you're calling about the ad in the paper, you have the right number." In 90 seconds, the voice offers a claims processing job that pays up to $7 per claim and allows employees to work from home.
The catch comes when the voice requires the purchase of computer software for $199. Though they offer a 90-day trial period and full refund if unsatisfied, the message then asks for your name and phone number for a return call.
"I see all kinds of problems with this," said Boonville Police Department Lieutenant Bob Welliver. "I would assume that this is some kind of scam."
A Google search of the phone number revealed several consumer complaints against the number, also deeming it a scam. The Watertown Daily Times in Ogdensburg, NY reported the same situation in their newspaper on Jan. 13.
A call to the Missouri Attorney General's Office revealed no reported incidences involving the number.
"This is a hard one to pin charges on," Welliver said. "The number isn't easily traceable and this individual has reportedly done this same thing in other places across the country."
Welliver did track the number to Telecentrex Communications located in California. The company's website boasts "state-of-the-art business class telephony services," and monthly subscription fees at "a fraction of what the cost would be to implement similar service in-house."
At the local level, Welliver said anyone who responded to the ad or sent in the $199 software fee should file a report with the Boonville Police Department right away.
"Number one, If someone did call and is out the money, we will follow up on that," he said. "Number two, never ever send money for a job. Most legitimate jobs don't require money up front. I never would have guessed something like this would happen."
- If you feel you have been scammed through this ad, feel free to report your story to the Daily News at 660-882-5335. To file a consumer complaint online with the Missouri Attorney General's Office, visit www.consumer.ago.mo.gov. The Boonville Police Department can be reached at 660-882-2727.
