Attorney General Joseph Foster announced today that his office received information regarding what appears to be a series of phone calls being made to New Hampshire citizens purporting to inform people of their eligibility for payments under a class-action settlement related to the use of surgical mesh. The targets of the calls appear primarily to be women, some, but not all of whom, may have had surgery involving surgical mesh. The callers allegedly represent that they are calling on behalf of a federal agency or on behalf of a law firm. These representations appear to be false.

The callers have asked their targets for personal information related to their bank accounts and their medical history.

"Over the past few years, people have learned not to provide personal information in response to unsolicited emails. People should be equally cautious when responding to unsolicited telephone calls," Attorney General Foster said. "Members of a class who are eligible for payment due to a settlement or a verdict will never be asked to reveal their financial or medical information during an initial telephone call. Anyone receiving such a call should immediately hang up," the Attorney General stated. "My office has regularly advised the public to be very careful with their personal information. Scam artists are very good at convincing people that they are dealing with legitimate businesses or government agencies."

If you receive such a call, do not provide the caller with any personal information such as your address, date of birth, social security number, any banking or credit card information, or any health-related information. Simply hang up and call the Attorney General's Office at 1-888-468-4454 to report the call.