Seniors are a primary target for fraudsters who exploit the complexities of Medicare to steal personal information, commit identity theft, and rack up fraudulent claims. Medicare scams are a
growing threat to our senior communities, and understanding how they work is the first line of defense. Whether you’re a senior or you have an elderly loved one, the power to stop being scammed is in the knowledge of knowing how those Medicare scams work and how to identify them. Here’s a breakdown of the top five Medicare scams, how scammers operate, and how seniors can protect themselves.
1. Medicare Impersonation Scams
What it is: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, contacting seniors by phone, email, or even in person, claiming they need to verify or update information for billing purposes. They may also claim that there’s an issue with the senior’s benefits or that a payment is needed for services.
How the scam works: The scammer pretends to be a legitimate Medicare official and uses scare tactics or urgency to convince seniors to provide personal information such as their Medicare number or bank account details. They may claim a payment is overdue or that benefits will be cut off without immediate action.
Signs it’s a scam:
· Medicare will never call and ask for personal details or payments over the phone.
· The caller creates a false sense of urgency or threatens that benefits will be lost.
· You’re asked to pay for Medicare services directly. Medicare does not ask for payments over the phone.
How to protect yourself: If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Medicare, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your Medicare card to verify the call's legitimacy.
2. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Scams
What it is: This scam involves fraudsters offering free or unnecessary medical equipment like back braces, wheelchairs, or walkers to seniors.
How the scam works: After convincing the senior that they qualify for free equipment, the scammer asks for their Medicare number. Once they have this information, they bill Medicare for expensive and often unnecessary equipment, regardless of whether the senior requested or needed it.
Signs it’s a scam:
· You’re offered medical equipment that you didn’t request or discuss with your doctor.
· The caller claims Medicare will cover the cost, but you must act quickly.
· You’re asked for personal or Medicare information over the phone.
How to protect yourself: Never accept offers for medical equipment unless it has been prescribed by your doctor. If someone calls offering free equipment, contact Medicare or your healthcare provider to verify the legitimacy of the offer.
3. New Medicare Card Scams
What it is: This Medicare scam has scammers calling seniors claiming that they need a new Medicare card and request personal information to issue the card.
How the scam works: Scammers claim that Medicare is issuing new cards and that personal information like your Medicare ID or Social Security number is needed to process the new card. They use this information for identity theft or fraudulent billing.
Signs it’s a scam:
· Medicare does not randomly issue new cards or ask for personal details over the phone.
· The caller may pressure you to act quickly to receive the card.
· You’re asked to provide sensitive personal information like your Medicare or Social Security number.
How to protect yourself: If you’re contacted about a new Medicare card, hang up and call Medicare directly. Medicare will never ask for your personal information or a fee to issue a new card.
4. Prescription Drug Scams
What it is: Scammers promote fake or cheap prescription drug plans and ask for Medicare information.
How the scam works: After advertising low-cost prescription plans, scammers collect Medicare numbers and either bill Medicare for fake prescriptions or send counterfeit drugs to the senior. This can put the senior’s health at serious risk.
Signs it’s a scam:
· The offer for prescription drugs seems too good to be true or is unsolicited.
· You’re asked for your Medicare number or personal details without knowing the source of the offer.
· You receive medications you didn’t order or recognize.
How to protect yourself: Always verify prescription drug plans through Medicare or a trusted healthcare provider. Never provide personal or Medicare information to unsolicited callers or online advertisements.
5. Medicare Discount Card Scams
What it is: Fraudsters offer fake Medicare discount cards for a fee, promising savings on medical services or prescriptions.
How the scam works: The scammer convinces seniors to pay for a Medicare discount card that will supposedly lower their medical service costs. In reality, these cards are fake or useless, and the scammer pockets the fee.
Signs it’s a scam:
· Medicare does not offer “discount cards” for services or prescriptions.
· You’re asked to pay for the card upfront or provide personal details like your Medicare number or credit card information.
· The caller promises significant savings but can’t provide specific details.
How to protect yourself: Medicare will never charge for a discount card. Be wary of anyone offering such cards, and consult your Medicare plan directly to confirm if any discounts or services are available.
Protecting Yourself from Medicare Scams
Medicare scams prey on seniors by creating a sense of urgency or promising free services. Always remember these key points:
· Medicare representatives will never ask for your personal information over the phone or demand payment for services.
· If you’re unsure about any call or offer, hang up and contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
· Never give your Medicare number or personal details to unsolicited callers, even if they claim to represent Medicare.
While these are only five examples of Medicare scams, scammers are inventive and always changing tactics. It is important to stay informed and cautious so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to any Medicare scams.
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