Medicare scams targeting seniors are on the rise, with fraudsters using deceptive tactics to obtain personal information and exploit the Medicare system.
Why it matters: Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually, leading to identity theft and financial losses for vulnerable seniors.
The details:
- Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, offering free services or claiming to issue new plastic Medicare cards with chips.
- They pressure victims to provide personal information, such as Medicare and Social Security numbers, under the guise of preventing loss of benefits.
- Fraudulent charges for services never received or already covered by Medicare appear on statements.
- Fake websites and mailings designed to look official are used to deceive seniors.
To protect against scams, experts advise being cautious of unsolicited contacts, carefully reviewing Medicare statements, and reporting suspected fraud to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
What they’re saying:
- “Medicare and Social Security will never call you to ask for personal or banking information. Any required information will be requested through an official letter.” – Toni King, Medicare expert and author
- “Some simple tips can help you protect yourself. … Trust your instincts and report any suspected fraud.” – Debbie Gulley, Area Agency on Aging District 7 interim executive director
The bottom line: Staying informed, vigilant, and seeking help from trusted resources like the SMP are crucial for seniors to safeguard themselves against the growing threat of Medicare scams.
Full story
Medicare scams are on the rise, targeting seniors across the country. Scammers use various tactics to trick people into giving away personal information or money. One common scam involves unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from Medicare.
They may offer free services or say you need a new plastic Medicare card with a chip. However, Medicare will never call you asking for personal information. “I am worried about a phone call I received from someone claiming to be from Medicare,” said Jeanette from Phoenix.
“They verified my personal information and said I would get a new plastic Medicare card with a chip. However, it’s been over a week, and I haven’t received the card. I fear I made a mistake by providing my information.”
If you receive a suspicious call, do not give out any personal information.
Medicare scams targeting nationwide seniors
Medicare and Social Security will only request information through official letters. If you believe your information has been compromised, contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or visit a local office to put an alert on your Social Security number.
According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, over $100 billion is lost yearly to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Organizations like Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) educate people on detecting and reporting fraud. To report fraud or abuse, call SMP at (877) 808-2468 or visit their website to find the closest office in your state.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from Medicare scams:
– Do not accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number. – Use a safety script when answering unsolicited calls and do not give out personal information. – Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers over the phone or at your door.
It is important to spread awareness about these scams to help combat them. If you have questions or need assistance, contact trusted resources like the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org.
- PalestineHerald.”MEDICARE COLUMN: ‘Plastic Medicare card’ scam is exploding”.
- WFMZ.”Community Connection – Medicare Scams”.
- IrontonTribune.”Beware of common Medicaid scams”.