Beware of new SHIBA phone scam

The Insurance Commissioner's Office warns that there is a new phone scam starting in Snohomish County in which scammers are cold calling consumers telling them they are with SHIBA, the Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program.

SHIBA representatives never cold call

If you or someone you know gets a call like this, try to get the phone number if you have caller ID. Report the incident and provide the phone number to our office at 1-800-562-6900.

However, you should just hang up and do not provide any personal information.

Washington state's SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare and health care choices to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our volunteer advisors are located around the state.

SHIBA is also Washington state’s Senior Medicare Patrol project that helps consumers prevent, detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. Contact SHIBA by email or at 1-800-562-6900.