5 Medicare Scams

You don't recognize the number calling your phone but you answer anyway. You are not sure to whom the voice belongs, but they make a compelling case as to why they need your Medicare number or bank information. What do you do?

Many seniors have found themselves in this situation. Many have been had personal information and money stolen during phone calls that start out just like this example. What can be done about this problem? The best way to protect ourselves from these criminals is to educate ourselves and know the signs of a scam. Here are 5 Medicare scams that I think you should be on the lookout for.

1. New Card Scam
In April 2018, Medicare will be issuing new Medicare cards with your updated number. Scammers will contact you asking for your current number in order to send you the new card. PLEASE KNOW: Medicare will NOT be contacting you, they will send the new card automatically.

2. Refund Scam
Scammers contact you to inform you of a "change" or "enhancement" that entitles you to a refund. They may also claim that a lawsuit was filed and you are owed money. Their goal is to get your Medicare number and your bank account for a "direct deposit". PLEASE KNOW: Medicare will automatically send you any refunds owed and likely already has your bank information (via Social Security).

3. Posers Scam
In this scam, people posing as representatives from health providers or government agencies will be seeking your personal information. They can manipulate the caller ID and use official sounding names. PLEASE KNOW: Health providers will not ask for your personal information. If you are concerned about a fake government agency, contact Medicare directly.

4. Fake Freebie Scam
Scammers offer a free health service or free medical supplies. Typically when they offer free supplies they'll ask for a credit card for "shipping charges". Free checkups can be a front to get your Medicare number. PLEASE KNOW: Getting a credit card number for "shipping charges" is a common scam. There are legitimate clinics that do free checkups, but do some research before you go.

5. Backdoor Billing
This is a scam that may not only steal personal information from someone on Medicare, it may also include them in the fraud. In some cases, a scammer will claim that there is a way to get a service or item covered by Medicare, they just need your Medicare number or credit card info to process it. In other cases, they will offer a "Free" service or medical equipment. In these instances, their goal is to defraud Medicare and use you as a way to bill Medicare for expensive and unnecessary equipment or services. PLEASE KNOW: Medicare fraud costs taxpayers $60 billion annually, so if it sounds like fraud, it probably is fraud. You should contact Medicare if you have any doubts.

As long as the opportunity to defraud seniors exists, there will be scammers. Keep yourself educated and keep yourself safe. And if you have any questions, please reach out to us. We're here to get you Answers for Medicare!

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