Protect Yourself From Medicare Scams

Have you ever gotten a phone call or email about your Medicare benefits that made you feel uneasy? You’re not alone. Scammers are getting more creative and often target those on Medicare. It can be easy to get fooled, but there are ways you can protect yourself. 

By knowing what to be on the lookout for, you can keep your personal information safe and avoid scams.

 

What are Medicare Scams?

Medicare scams are when someone tries to trick you into giving away your personal information or benefits illegally. Scammers might pretend to work for Medicare, a doctor’s office, or say they are offering services. They use this information to steal your identity and bank details or get Medicare to pay for things you never asked for. They often use misleading phone calls, emails, or text messages to try and get your information. Sometimes, they even send letters in the mail. It’s important to be careful and not share your private information with anyone you don’t trust. 

According to the Social Security Administration, Medicare fraud costs Americans about $60 billion every year.* This means that money is being wasted, which harms the Medicare program and those who rely on Medicare benefits.

 

3 Common Medicare Scams

1. Fake calls about Medicare cards: Scammers may say your card is expiring and demand your Medicare number or payment to send a new one.
2. Free services or supplies: Beware of unsolicited calls or messages that say things like, “Do you have knee pain? Medicare is offering a FREE brace.”
3. Threats to cancel benefits: Sometimes scammers may use fear, saying you’ll lose your benefits if you don’t act quickly. High-pressure tactics asking you to act quickly is a red flag.

If it feels wrong or rushed, it’s likely a scam.

 

Tips to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from Medicare scams: 

• Never share your Medicare number unless you’re sure it’s a trusted provider. Treat your Medicare card like a credit card and guard your Medicare number. Keep it in a safe place. 
• Hang up immediately on unexpected or suspicious calls about Medicare. Medicare will not call you asking for personal details, try to sell you something, or ask for payments. Don’t engage with the scammer. Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or the phone number on the back of your Medicare plan ID care to see if it’s real.
• Be cautious of emails and text messages. Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.
• Review your Medicare statements and check for charges you don’t recognize.

Medicare has a video you can watch on how to protect yourself from enrollment fraud.
See other tips and information about recent government scams and how to protect yourself online at the Social Security Administration website ssa.gov. 

 

Known Tactics Scammers Use

Scammers change their approach often with new tactics and messages to trick people. Here are some red flags that Medicare and the Social Security Administration say to watch out for as they will never:

• Threaten to arrest you or take legal action if you don’t pay money right away. 
• Cut off your Medicare Benefits or Social Security number.
• Claim they need your personal information or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
• Push you to act quickly and take immediate action by sharing personal information.
• Ask you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
• Scare you by saying they will seize your bank account.
• Offer to move your money to a “protected”or “safe” bank account".
• Demand that you keep things secret.
• Message you directly on social media.

 

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam, act quickly:
Report it: Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or go online at Medicare.gov.
Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your medical, bank, and credit card statements for unusual activity.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, but you can stay one step ahead. 
Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut instincts and reach out to Medicare or your Medicare plan if you need help.

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Looking for more Medicare tips? Explore our latest blogs for practical tips to make healthier choices and get the most from your Medicare benefits. 

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Source: https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-fraud-prevention-week/

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