Medicare scam targeting seniors is on the rise, with fraudsters posing as Medicare representatives to steal personal information.
Why it matters: Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year, diverting crucial resources away from legitimate beneficiaries.
The details:
- Scammers are calling seniors, claiming to offer new plastic Medicare cards with chips.
- They ask for personal information and banking details, which they use to commit fraud.
- Medicare and Social Security will never call and ask for personal or banking information.
- If the government needs information, they will send a letter from the specific agency.
According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, taxpayers are losing over $100 billion a year to Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
What to do:
- Do not accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number.
- Have a safety script by your phone and do not give out personal information to anyone who calls.
- Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers who call you or come to your door.
- If you believe your personal information has been compromised, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
Getting help: The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps those on Medicare learn how to detect fraud and abuse. To report Medicare fraud or abuse to SMP, call their toll-free number at 877-808-2468 or visit the SMP website to locate the closest SMP office in your state.
The bottom line: Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid fraud are exploding, and the only way to stop this fraud is to be vigilant and spread awareness among friends and family.
Full story
Medicare fraud is a growing problem that costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year. Scammers often target older Americans, trying to steal their Medicare numbers and other personal information. One common scam involves fraudsters calling seniors and claiming to be from Medicare.
They may say that a new plastic Medicare card with a chip is being issued and ask to verify personal details. It’s important to remember that Medicare will never call you and ask for your personal or banking information. They already have all the information they need to verify your identity.
If you receive a suspicious call like this, do not provide any personal details. Instead, hang up and report the incident to Medicare or the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
Protecting your Medicare information
The SMP helps Medicare beneficiaries learn how to detect and prevent fraud. They provide free, unbiased assistance to seniors, their families, and caregivers. To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, never share your Medicare number with strangers who call or come to your door.
Regularly review your Medicare statements for any suspicious charges or services you didn’t receive. If you notice any fraudulent activity, report it immediately. You can contact Medicare directly or reach out to your local SMP office for help.
By staying vigilant and taking precautions, you can help prevent Medicare fraud and ensure that resources are preserved for those who truly need them. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- LakeOconeeBreeze.”TONI SAYS: ‘Plastic Medicare card’ scam is exploding”.
- ChronicleOnline.”Stay ahead of Medicare fraudsters”.
- IrontonTribune.”Beware of common Medicare scams”.