9 minute read
The Problem With Foreign Call Centers
from The Shopper 8/2/2023
by The Shopper
WOODROW WILCOX
On July 26, 2023, I made phone calls to various numbers of a medical billing firm with a client from Saint John, Indiana. It was a frustrating and grueling hour plus session.
Advertisement
Our client lives in Indiana but crossed the state line to use a medical firm in Illinois. The firm does not want to talk to us about how it made some mistakes that caused the client’s Medicare supplement insurance firm to never get the claim to pay it. They don’t want to follow Medicare rules. They just want our client to pay the bill.
When we phoned, we got a medical billing call center in El Salvador, Central America. We got bounced around to three people. The last one was Gabriella. We talked until she wanted the Medicare number of our client. He was on the phone and could have given me permission to state it or he could have stated it. But I stopped that to protect our client and the privacy of his personal information.
If a person in a foreign call center gets your Social Security number or your Medicare number, and passes it to someone else, how could an American prosecutor investigate the matter to find the guilty parties and prosecute them?
Every company doing business in the U.S. that uses an offshore call center is risking protected information of its customers in the U. S. The company doing business in the U.S. is using the foreign based call center to increase its profits without regard for the safety of the protected information of people in the U.S.
If the foreign based call centers were forced to relocate in the U.S., and someone did a criminal act with protected information, it would be much easier for investigators and prosecutors in the U.S. to find the criminals and bring them to justice.
Many communications companies in the U.S. are related and aligned together with companies that own satellite services or other firms that promote doing business internationally. I don’t believe that these firms or their leaders care about or even think about protecting senior citizens on Medicare or Social Security.
In my view, a President or a Member of Congress that does not want to stop the use of foreign call centers (especially in medical services) is no friend to any senior citizen or anyone else who lives in the U.S.A. The politicians that promote or protect the use of foreign call centers are enemies of everyone living in the U.S. because they support risking the privacy of people’s protected information. That could lead to identity theft that could harm residents of the U.S.
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by correcting medical bill mistakes. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which is available through book stores or online.
Services
AC/HEATING
SERVICES: Summer
Special! Furnaces or A/C’s , Clean & check $59.95. Furnaces, A/C’s, Boilers, water heaters, sump pumps, humidifiers, installations, repairs, furnaces installed from $1495.00 R/D Heating & Cooling. IL. and IN. 219-616-3281
DRYWALL REPAIR: Handy
“All” Drywall Repair, plaster repair, light construction, interior decorating and interior painting. Cell 708-514-0217 phone 708-841-2523. Stanley McDavid
ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY? WE SPECIALIZE IN DELIVERING RESULTS.
BRUCE MCKINNEY
Call, send a text message, or an emailCell: 708-269-2992, email: bruce@ familypriderealty.comFamily Pride Realty, 3337 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, IL. 60805
OVERNIGHT OFFICE
CLEANING AVAILABLE. South Holland Area. Call Randy 708-552-1839
HANDY MAN SERVICE
Lenord Wilks - Call 1-773-897-9464
LIGHT BULB SERVICE
Will replace your burnt out and broken bulbs - Interior/ Exterior. Also replace Smoke and CO2 Detector Batteries. 219-865-2345
ALL HANDYMAN
REPAIRS Done On The Side to save money! Painting, drywall, tile, concrete patching, doors, roofing, hauling. Very reasonable. Mark 708-408-7192
CONCRETE & PATCHING
Done On The Side to save you money. Also general contracting, handyman work, FHA work & snowplowing. Very reasonable. Call Mark 708-408-7192
PAINTING SERVICES:
Economy Painting. Interior/ Exterior painting 20% Off. Mention this ad. Wallpaper instllation. General drywall repair & installation. Best price guaranteed. Ask for Ed. 708-548-6356 or 708-2885038.
ADG HANDYMAN
Cleaned gutters and repairs, installing new gutters, protectors/cover caps. Never clean gutters again! Unclogging all pipes large and small. 312-8356645/708-250-4752 gholston859@gmail.com
PLUMBING SERVICES:
J.E.M. Plumbing & Sewer , Drain Cleaning Specialist, water lines, pumps, water heater, faucets, toilets, same day service. 219-845-7589 or 708-896-0500
GUTTER CLEANING:
SUPER FLOW Gutter cleaning, Free estimates. Very reasonable. Asl for Rob. No Sundays. 708-877-6860
HOME IMPROVEMENT:
A&A Services services faucets, carpentry locks, fence and gate repair, gutter cleaning, power washing, toilet repairs, wind damage repairs, caulking, rooftop repair. Insured. Free estimates. 219-865-2345
TREE SERVICE: Maggy’s Tree Service. Tree’s Topped, Trimmed, Removed, Bush Removal, Stump Removal. Walks shoveled. Also Insured Bonded. Free estimates. 708-200-8078
PAINTS OF AMERICA interior and exterior painting, plus carpet cleaning and gutter cleaning. Senior discounts. Call Algie at 708-574-6367
HARP-WILL CLEANING INC. has several openings for experienced, dependable Home/Office Cleaners with a track record of excellent service. We offer competitive pay. Contact us at info@ harpwillcleaning.com or 708-855-4294.
GUTTER CLEANING. Just a friendly reminder that your gutters need cleaning. Also, for a limited time, we offer a Free Rooftop Inspection at no extra charge. Call today for your free quote 219-8652345
SHELTON’S FIREARM AND SELF DEFENSE LLC www. sheltonsfirearmsandself defense.com Don’t be a Victim, Book A Class
Today! “Shelton’s Firearm and Self Defense Training LLC” 708-502-3718
TRIPLE E LAWNCARE Full Service weekly lawn care. Power Raking, Aeration, Fertilization, Bush Trimming/ Removal/ Planting. Erik of Lansing 708-858-1213
DAILY MOVERS 20 miles one way $325-$425 Special 708-940-1378
CORONADO HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Providing home improvement services such as drywall repairs, painting, floor installations, plumbing and electrical services. For free estimates call (219) 902 1017
Wanted
LOOKING FOR THE OWNER OF A 1988 WELLCRAFT ST
TROPEZ 3200 Hull number is WELC3653G788 Model 3200. If you are the owner of this vessel please contact Freddie D Mayers 708-2882938
ELECTRIC STOVE AND REFRIGERATOR, PERENNIAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLE PLANTS and containers, a walker, and a Wondering Jew plant. 708-882-3712
IN SEARCH OF OLDER
COBRA CB BASE STATION RADIOS, CB MICROPHONES , CB ACCESSORIES CB
AMPLIFIERS Let me know what you have! Call Dan 312-720-0844
LOOKING FOR HO
MODEL TRAINS ENGINES,ROLLING STOCK,TRACK,SCENERY will take away or make B O please text 708-262-1661
WANTED RADIO/TV
TUBES CB/HAM RADIOS
TUBE TESTERS 70S HIGH POWER STEREOS misc test equipment Tube type stereos old radios no tvs 708 536 8823
WANTED DEGAN OR
MUSSER VIBRAPHONE CALL 219-801-0955
IN DESPARATE NEED
SMALL CAR FOR 80 YEAR
OLD - ECONOMICAL CAR CAN BE DAMAGED IF RUNNING FOR LOW INCOME SR. CITIZ. Does not have to pass emission test if the price is right - Call 219-801-0955
WANTED: 1972 & OLDER
CARS & TRUCKS, PARTS, RUNNING OR NOT (and parts) unfinished project and 67-69 Camaros. 708-4399770
WANTED - GARAGE TO STORE MY OLD DODGE CAR. Could use 1 or 2 Stall Garage. Prefer the Lansing area. Call James between 9am and 9pm, 708-460-8308
SOMEONE TO REPAIR A GAS LAWN MOWER. Call or text 708-673-9361
WANT TO BUY A USED
2-CAR (NON-WOOD) GARAGE DOOR.
708.925.2102
IN SEARCH OF OLDER
COBRA CB RADIO BASE STATIONS & ACCESSORIES let me know what you have.
Dan 312-720-0844
HOUSE PHONE, CORDLESS, CALLER ID. Ask for Martha 708-849-4690
US SOLDIER IS DESPERATE IN NEED of a 3 bed house, to rent or rent to buy. Currently paying $2000/mo at Hotel and $209 for storage. Have fixed income of $4000/mo Plus. Call Algie 708.574.6367
SENIOR LOOKING TO RENT 2 OR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH GARAGE. Have Sect. 8, also have 24hr caregiver. Looking in Lansing, Calumet City, South Holland, or Thornton ASAP. Call 708-200-8473. Ask for Carol WANTED: Electric chainsaws and as many chains as you have. Exterior Brown Paint.
219-801-0955
WANTED: Old Deagan or Musser big bar vibraphones. Any Condition 219-801-0955
HELP WANTED
LICENSED HOME CHILDCARE IN INDIANA SEEKING FULL TIME AND PART TIME HELP. Day and night shift. Starting at 12.00 hour. 219 588 1763
STERI-CLEAN CHICAGO - 2152 Glenwood Dyer Rd., Ste 3 Lynwood, IL 60411. Biohazard/Hoarding
Technician Applications -in person ONLY Mon and Wed 12pm - 2pm. We provide necessary training and certifications including Blood Borne Pathogens. However, the following Requirements/ Qualifications MUST be met:
• Live within 30 min. of the office which you are applying for
• Have experience with power tools and have construction or restorations experience
• Valid driver’s license, an MVR will be run
• Clean background, extensive background check will be run
• Pass drug screeningAble to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to work in a respirator and full PPE for long periods
• Must be 21 years of age due to many of our vendor contracts
• Available to work 30-40 hours per week
• Available to work 9 hours per day with 1 hour lunch and 15 minute break
• Reliable transportation to get to our office (work vehicles provided)
• Working cell phone
The work we do is extremely physically and emotionally demanding. Please consider this when applying.
Compensation: DO
For Sale
TWO BURIAL PLOTS AT OAKLAND MEMORIAL LANES CEMETARY. LOCATED AT 15200 LINCOLN AVENUE (Michigan City Road). Christus Garden section. $250.00 Each can be purchased separately.
708-378-2195
GE DOUBLE OVEN
STAINLESS STEEL $1100
OBO in great condition self cleaning, whilpool dish washer stainless steal$350 obo , black electric top stove top $300 obo stainless steel deep double sink $85
708-536-3228
MINT CHINA / TROPHY / COLLECTOR WOOD GLASS DOOR CABINET WITH BOTTOM DRAWERS MINT CONDITION PAID OVER $1000 SELL FOR $350 WOOD. DINING TABLE SITS 8 WITH HIGH BACK WOOD CHAIRS PAID OVER $1000 SELL FOR $350. ENTIRE CONTENTS OF HOME $1700. Parents estate....... Call (219) 746 2370 ..... Lansing IL MORE GREAT DEALS!
Mattresses: twin $88, full $98, queen $138. Bunk beds, futons, day beds $178. 5 pc dinette $179. Sofa LV $495. 4 pc. bdrm $495. Lamps, rugs & more. EZ credit $7,000, 90 days same as cash. or 12mo Installment plan. Free layaway. 708-371-3737 www. factorybeddingfurniture.com
ATTENTION LANDLORDS AND TENANTS BARELY USED CARPET AND PADDING EXCELLENT QUALITY varies sizes colors and grades. Vinyl flooring excellent paint interior and exterior 708-596-0255
Real Estate
NEWLY RENOVATED 3 BED 1.5 BATH 1ST-FLOOR APARTMENT STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES $1600 a month all utilities except electric. Calumet City Stanley and Yats. 1 month security and $45 background check. 312-463-9604
LANSING, IL, 2 BDRM., 1 BATH, 1ST FLR. SENIORS WELCOME. 17710 S. Commercial Street. Includes free heat, gas, appl., A/C. Private prkg. 1.5 mon. + sec. Avail/ immediately. $1050. Call Larry 312-405-0697 FOR RENT WAREHOUSE FOR STORAGE 62.5 X 53 = 3,312 SQFT. 14 FOOT CEILINGS. INSULATED AND HEATED , Door 13’9” high X 23’ 4” Wide. In Crete by Walts food store. $1,500.00 Call 708-672-7775
SMALLER TWO BEDROOM HOME. South Holland. $950 plus security. Redone, appliances, large living room, quiet area, big deck with nature views. Application fee. Outside parking. 708-268-7075
HARVEY 2 Bds 2nd floor, 1 bath, A/C, Appl included, 1 month rent, 1 month security, no pets. 708-362-7887, 708-527-4477
LARGE, NEWLY DECORATED 3 BEDROOM Apt, 2 baths in Calumet City. Sec 8 welcomed. 219-2139556
SOUTH HOLLAND HOME. 1 ROOM FOR RENT, FEMALE SENIORS WELCOME. Utilities Included, Refrigerator and Microwave Included. No Section 8 or Smokers, or Pets. 708-566-1103 Call Linda.
Health/Personals
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with OVARIAN cancer after use of TALC products such as BABY POWDER or SHOWER TO SHOWER, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
Garage/Estate Sales
BIG SALE - ROUND ONE. WE HAVE TOOLS, ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES, HOUSEWARES. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Friday , 8/4 & Saturday, 8/5, From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.3003 191st Place, Lansing, IL
GARAGE SALE - ENTIRE BLOCK, 8 HOMES!SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH. 9AM - 3PM 166th. Thornton Ave South Holland ILFurniture Household Linen Tools. Clothing Books Toys Electronics Everything Priced To Sell ! No Junk!
Find Your Next Home In The Shopper
Misc.
Ethan Allen Wingback Chair - $70; 6 Feet long “Haywood-Wakefield” Bench $100; Occasional Squire 26” dark wood 2 tier table - $50. 708-481-6907
1 Maple Color Kitchen Cabinet with 1 door, 3 shelves inside. 33.5”h x 16.5”w x 18”d - $25, Black Vanity, 2 door with white sink, 33”h x 24”w, x 19”d$50; Solid Oak Medicine Cabinet with Beveled Mirror, 4 Shelves inside. 26” x 16” $30, Pedistal Sink, new - $50; Whirlpool Over the Stove Microwave - $75. Call 708-481-6907
Brother All-in-one (fax, scan, copy, andphoto capture) like new $30; Small Kitchen Appliances (Juicers, Toasters, Rice Cooker, 5 Speed Mixer, Coffee Grinder, etc) from $5-$10; 2 Stadium Camping Chairs $5 each; Set of 2 White Resin Stacking Chairs $10 for a set; Yard Decor, $1-$5 each; Garden tools (rakes sheers etc) $3-$10 each; Flower Pots $1-$5 each; Assorted Sizes Sheppard Hooks and Trelisses $3-$10 each. 708-481-6907
DOWNRIGGER WEIGHTS
$10 EACH Burnham, IL 630-886-6822
DBX Cascade 20’’ 18 speed,front shocks MTN Bike $40,Girls Huffy 16’’ Bike $30,Mongoose Avico Assault 20’’Bike 18 speed front shocks MTN bike $40,scotts drop fertilizer like new $35, call 219-269-2230
Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Jeep. In original box. Excellent condition. Needs battery and charger. $60 Call or text 708-673-9361
Nike cross training shoes with dual fusion ankle support. New. Never worn. Men’s size 12.$35 Call or text 708-673-9361
Push lawn mower. Excellent condition. $35 Call or text 708-673-9361
Gray dresser and Coffee tables for sale for $25. 708-991-7392