I was cautious, thank heavens! An advertisement appeared in our local paper for a Medical Secretary requiring strong computer skills, bookkeeping and billing experience, etc. As above. I responded, even though the 888# number was suspicious. I thought it may be a recruiting agency. The call was answered by an auto attendant with a message requesting your contact information and advising that it is a work from home medical billing service, the company supplies Tech Support and Customer Service Support, however the individual must pay the cost of the software license $199.00.
I received a return call from Michael Lewis who described the work in detail regarding the download of billing files, the need for confidentiality, when work was transmitted to us and when we were required to have it completed and uploaded. He explained that this was not for everyone; kids, neighbors, TVs, all could interfere with one's home work environment. At the end of 90 days, if you decide that this work is not for you, your software license cost of $199.00 was fully refundable.
I was really interested as I just completed my Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing and wanted to get a little experience before I sat for my national certification exam.
As the call proceeded, he gave me instructions to mail a Money Order, no checks, or credit card payments acceptable, to 8721 Santa Monica Blvd, #118, Los Angeles, CA 90069. The instrument was to be made payable to HomeTeck and I was to include a confirmation number he gave me on the memo line.
This is not indicative of business practices of a medical billing company and I became immediately suspicious. I decided to try to find some information on the Internet. All I had to do was Google the address!
The software will be sent in most cases... But if you try to reach Customer Service, Tech Support, or the Representative who enrolled you, the telephone numbers are no longer in service. One individual stated the software received was a 2005 edition.
This ad appeared in the Charlotte Sun-Herald, Port Charlotte edition (Florida), beginning (I think the first day) Thursday, 09 Sept. 2009. Beware!!!
0 comments