Beware of Medicare Phone Scams
Many cities and towns throughout the country are issuing warnings for seniors and individuals with disabilities about scams aimed at them – especially during this open enrollment period which lasts until the end of the year.
Some of these scams involve people calling Medicare recipients and telling them that they are from Medicare and they are calling to warn the recipient that their benefits will cancel in 30 days. The callers also tell recipients that in order to keep their Medicare benefits, they need to give the callers personal information bank account numbers, social security numbers and Medicare number. Callers will also say that updating this information is free.
These types of scams are becoming more and more common throughout the country. People prey on the elderly and on individuals with disabilities, and these people sound so authentic that they often get the information they are asking for. Once they have this personal information they use it in a fraudulent way.
No matter where you live, Do NOT give out ANY personal information – especially social security numbers, bank account numbers and Medicare or other information that should remain private and protected.
Actual Medicare or Social Security representatives will NEVER ask you for personal information and they will NEVER ask you to pay them over the phone. They may verify your information, but if they are authentic, they already have the information and are trying to make sure that you are who you say you are. In addition, they usually only ask for the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Medicare sends out information about bills and statements to recipients if there are any amounts due. Most of the time the amount would be set up in advance to be deducted from your bank account and you would receive statement in the mail showing the deduction. Official Medicare, Social Security and banking information is usually sent to you in writing in a statement or letter. If they need information from you, they usually ask for it in writing.
If someone calls you trying to get information that is private, do not give it to them. Try to get their name and number and report them to your local police or sheriff’s department.
Keep yourself and your private, personal information safe. Don’t let scammers trick you into revealing and sharing information that should stay private.
