Beware of Medicare Phone Scams
Some locals folks have been getting scam calls saying their Medicare benefits are going to expire, and the caller uses that tactic to try to get personal information from the resident over the phone.
Here are some important things for seniors to know about how Medicare and the Social Security Administration (SSA) function.
Medicare generally won’t call you, except in limited circumstances. One such exception is if you have called 1-800-MEDICARE and requested a return call.
Medicare will never call or come to your home uninvited to sell products or services.
SSA representatives may call Medicare beneficiaries if they need more information to process applications for Social Security benefits or enrollment in certain Medicare Plans, but, again, this is rare.
If a phone call is needed, you’ll receive an official letter from the SSA to arrange a telephone interview.
Medicare cards do not expire, so be wary of someone saying they need to send you a new one.
If your card is lost or destroyed, contact the SSA directly to request a replacement. If you think someone else is fraudulently using your Medicare card, then call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How To Recognize a Phone Scam
Phone scams come in many forms, but they tend to make similar promises and threats, or ask you to pay certain ways. Here’s how to recognize a phone scam.
There is no prize
The caller might say you were “selected” for an offer or that you’ve won a lottery. But if you have to pay to get the prize, it’s not a prize.
You won’t be arrested
Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. But real law enforcement and federal agencies won’t call and threaten you.
You don’t need to decide now
Most legitimate businesses will give you time to think their offer over and get written information about it before asking you to commit. Take your time. Don’t get pressured into making a decision on the spot.
There’s never a good reason to send cash or pay with a gift card
Scammers will often ask you to pay in a way that makes it hard for you to get your money back — by wiring money, putting money on a gift card etc. Anyone who asks you to pay that way is a scammer.