Patient called as part of medical bill scam

Dayton police are alerting residents about a new scam targeting elderly patients and persuading them to pay outstanding medical bills over the phone to avoid being arrested.

Crystal Thomas, the practice manager at Dr. Debra Miller’s office, a private practice located in the Berry Center at Miami Valley Hospital, made the initial report to police March 23. Thomas was contacted by a 78-year-old patient, who said she’d gotten repeated phone calls from someone claiming she owed money for unpaid doctor’s bills from Miller’s office. The caller claimed to be with the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, and indicated a prosecutor by the name of Michael Jones issued a warrant for the patient’s arrest due to these unpaid bills, according to a Dayton police report.

Thomas assured the patient she had no outstanding balance with their office. However, she investigated the claim, learning there was no prosecutor by the name of Michael Jones with Greene County and no warrant was issued. She then called police to report the scam.

“(It) was personal for me,” Thomas said. “My doctor’s name and reputation was on the line. We’re just trying to help our patients, especially our elderly patients.”

Dayton police confirmed the call was a scam. A spokeswoman from Miami Valley Hospital said it’s believed the call was an isolated incident, and is not connected to any other patients at their hospital.

Thomas said she isn’t sure if any other patients from Miller’s office were called, but hopes they will be on alert about this scam.

“If someone calls you asking for money over the phone, always call the office first,” she said.

About the Author