(DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX)     New healthcare laws have brought much uncertainty to consumers, especially retirees.  According to consumer advocacy journalist and radio host Pete Thomson, new scams are surfacing that are taking advantage of the uncertainty in the marketplace.   Thomson’s weekly radio program, which airs on CBS Radio’s KRLD in Dallas, will focus on healthcare scams on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 5-7PM (Central).

Thomson said that the new healthcare scams are reaching consumers primarily through the internet and telemarketing.   He added, “Scammers are targeting seniors.  They’ll often call or email, claiming to be with the federal government, and say they need to confirm a social security number.  Other times they’ll call offering a special deal on low cost healthcare coverage.   The scammers are always looking for personal information that they can turn into cash.”

Thomson claims that the uncertainty surrounding healthcare is helping the scammers succeed.  He said, “Our nation’s healthcare system is about to be in transition and people, especially retirees, are concerned about the future of their healthcare.  The people behind the scams love this uncertainty.   They’re selling security and solutions in a very uncertain environment.”

According to Thomson, the first line of defense again healthcare scams is to simply hang up or delete the email.   Beyond that, he says, reaching out to seniors who are isolated is very important.   Thomson added, “Seniors often become isolated from the mainstream marketplace.  We believe that reaching out to seniors in our families and neighborhoods is an important part of defeating this type of crime.”

Thomson credited Consumer Team New York City reporter Ernie Sprance for his contributions to the special coverage on healthcare scams.   He said, “Ernie did an outstanding job of digging into this issue.  He’ll be filing two different on-air reports on The Consumer Team.   After listening to this information, listeners will be better prepared to deal with this growing fraud.”

Thomson’s Consumer Team talk radio program is one of the most listened to local programs dealing with consumer news, research, trends and issues.   Thomson says that his passion for consumer advocacy started during his childhood growing up in the midwest.   Both of his parents were business owners in Charles City, Iowa.  According to Thomson, seeing successful business and customer relationships fueled his interest in helping connect consumers with reputable business owners.  He said, “Growing up in Charles City, I saw the special relationship that can exist between business and the customer.  Our goal on The Consumer Team is to first educate our listeners regarding the issues that can impact their success as a consumer.  Beyond that, we strive to connect our listeners with great businesses who truly understand what it means to serve the customer.”

For more information on The Consumer Team or to listen live, to to http://www.myconsumerteam.com.   The Consumer Team is produced by McQ Media, Dallas, Texas.