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Survey claims to be from State health department; question anyone asking for your personal info

Posted at 8:44 PM, Aug 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-20 01:07:26-04

Sometimes I think after all the stories we've done about scams, we're still not getting through to enough of people.

Every week, people who every week still question if the IRS caller threatening them with arrest is real.

Or they paid a "Microsoft" computer tech who called wanting to fix a problem they somehow knew about.

Then I get an email like one from Rita.

Rita says, "I just got an official looking letter saying they'll be calling to complete a health survey."

She goes on to say, "I don't like giving personal information to a faceless person who calls, just because they say they are calling from an official office."

Rita, those are words to live by.

That would have kept $27 million dollars in the pockets of those scammed by the IRS call alone.

Now about this survey, turns out, it is real.

But remember the point here... question everything!

Yes, the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) is contacting thousands of Arizonans.

They'll ask dozens of health behavior questions.

Some are bout lifestyle, physical activity, depression, even questions about prescription drug use and sexual activity.

But they say phone numbers are chosen randomly, it's totally anonymous and you don't have to take it.

They hope you do because they say it helps guide public health programs.

Interviewers must identify themselves as with the department and will never ask questions that could identify you.

Here's a link to that survey.

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Need my help? Call the Assistance League of Phoenix volunteers at 1-855-323-1515. You can also send me an email or attach a video explaining the problem.

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