Is Medicare contacting you? It can be a Scam
When John William, ID, displayed that Medicare scams were calling, he was disbelieving. Once the caller provided John’s full name and residential address, he thought that it might be an important idea. Until they also query his Social Security number (SSN) and Medicare number as well. US citizens must recognize Medicare scams calls to be safe from scammers
It may be hard to trust, however, that Medicare numbers are a lot more profitable for criminals than Mastercard numbers or perhaps SSNs. Nearly sixty-fifths of US citizens of medical fraud end up paying $13,500 or more in fraudulent medical bills
Medicare scam calls are among the most familiar ways in which criminals can try and get your sensitive info. Fraudsters using number cheats to trick you into giving up your Medicare info.
So, how are you able to make sure that you are talking to a Medicare representative and not a faker who wants to scam you?
In this guide, we’ll justify how Medicare scam calls work. A way to quickly recognize them, and what to do. If you or a family member has given a Medicare number to an imposter.
How Medicare Scam Calls Work?
Medicare scam calls occur once criminals call you pretense you are from Medicare or a legitimate care insurance supplier. They’ll usually use phone spoofing technology to control the display of your caller ID into displaying that they are from Medicare or a local telephone number.
To answer the phone call here’s what happens:
- First, scammers use the personal info that they found online. Usually, gaining personal info is leaking in a very knowledgeable breach. They might have your name, residential address, date of birth, or maybe your social security number SSN.
- Next, they’ll produce a way of urgency to undertake and acquire you to act by showing emotion. Scammers could possibly claim that your Medicare card is about to expire or that you’re eligible for a special plan with lower premiums.
- Finally, they’ll raise you to “verify” your Medicare number or alternative sensitive info. They could additionally pressure you. Enroll in a fake plan or convince yourself to send them cash to buy services.
Even terribly, criminals will use your personal info to steal your identity. Target yourself with any scams or drains on your bank account through monetary fraud.
Always remember: Medicare will never contact you directly unless you have contacted them with a request. It’s basically a scammer if you get any calls from an unknown guy claiming to be from Medicare.
Medicare phone scam calls are becoming additionally subtle. If you hear of any of the subsequent pitches, you’re dealing with a scam.
The seven Latest Medicare Scam Phone Calls
- To Avoid Medicare is issuing new cards
- Your Medicare coverage is about to expire
- You will receive early access to special vaccines
- You have to confirm your appointment free of charge for genetic testing
- You’re eligible for a refund
- You’re approved for a cheaper or better plan
- You qualify free of charge for medical supplies
Medicare scam calls are becoming a lot more subtle. If you hear of any of the subsequent pitches, you’re making deal with a scam.
Medicare is issuing new cards (old Medicare cards are expiring)
One of the most familiar Medicare scam phone calls happens once scammers claim it. This new Medicare card is issuing and your current one is invalid.
However, so as to receive your new Medicare card (and maintain your Medicare coverage). You will need to provide sensitive info such as your Medicare card number and Social Security Number (SSN).
How to recognize a “new Medicare card” phone call scam:
- You received AN unknown phone call claiming that your Medicare card is no longer valid. This could be a red flag right away, as Medicare can never contact you out of the blue. If there’s any problem with your Medicare card or if Medicare wants to contact you. You’ll receive an official letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to set up a call interview.
- The caller tries to calm you down by saying that they’re “not inquiring for your social security card or bank account numbers.
Note: Remember, your Medicare card number is very important and valuable to criminals.
Medicare coverage is about to expire (Need to verify your identity)
Another most common Medicare scam phone call involves scammers claiming that your Medicare is on the point of being expired unless you have to “verify” your identity.
Once you’re on a call, the fraudster can ask you for more info, as well as your:
- Current Medicare Number
- Residential Address
- Your Full name,
- Bank account info
- your Date of birth
- Social Security number (SSN)
If you refuse to give the requested info, the scammer can threaten to cancel your account.
Receive early access to special vaccines (Covid-19 scams)
Pandemic-related Medicare scams have been out of control since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and kits for testing.
Fraudsters use threatening language in text messages and calls to steal your personal.
In these scam phone calls; scammers claim that you’re eligible for a special vaccine. They can send testing kits to your home. Please provide your Medicare number and other personal info on the spot. several of these scam phone calls start as robocalls or text message scams, which means that scammers will target thousands of individuals each day.
How to recognize a COVID-19 scam call from Medicare:
- Scammers can offer you “unique” medical treatments or COVID-19 testing kits. That isn’t out there in the Medicare market for the public. This is a classic social engineering trick. Fraudsters use your concern about the pandemic to urge you to act without thinking.
- For covid-19 or other medical treatments, scammers will demand that you pay out of pocket for early access. Medicare doesn’t provide special treatment for those who pay extra. If anyone claiming to be from Medicare asks for payment, it’s a scam.
You have to confirm your appointment of free of charge for genetic testing
Some Medicare fraudsters can claim that you’re eligible for free genetic testing to seek cancer and different conditions. If you agree, scammers can either steal your data or use it to bill Medicare for the test.
In one example, a US citizen answered a call on his telephone. A Woman is on the other side claiming that she is from the Centers for Medicare & health care Services. The lady said that her job is concerning free genetic testing to screen for cardiovascular disease and cancer, and asked about his health. However, once she asked him to provide his Medicare number, luckily, he hung up
How to recognize genetic testing Medicare scam phone calls:
- You get a phone call out of the blue from scammers who offer free genetic testing that you simply didn’t request. Fraudsters can claim that the services are “free,” when extremely they’re mistreating your info to steal from Medicare.
- scammers send free checks home, and these tests are among the invitations to your Medicare number or personal info. Do not provide personal info, verify an interview, or accept any delivery of an unknown test.
You’re eligible for a refund due to an overpayment of benefits.
The most common phone call and text scam utilized by scammers entails claiming. that you owe a refund because of an overpayment. Medicare scammers won’t hesitate to contact you at home and say that. Medicare owes you hundreds or thousands of bucks. however, this can always be a scam.
How to determine whether a Medicare “overpayment” scam phone call:
- The scammer claims you owe cash from Medicare but we need your bank account number and info. It identifies that it is you so we can send you the funds. Giving a fraudster might cause you to be the victim of fraud.
- The caller pressures you into giving them sensitive info by saying that you’ll “lose” your money. If you don’t act on the spot. Medicare and other private insurance companies can never raise a request to verify your info before issuing you a refund.
You’re approved for a cheaper or better plan
Many Medicare fraudsters use telemarketing techniques to try and make you register for “better” health plans. The Medicare scam is most common throughout the open enrollment period in the fall. When many people in the US check their coverage choices or enroll in Medicare for the primary time.
During these scam phone calls, a sales representative can claim that Medicare pre-approved you for a health care Advantage plan. That has better benefits than a basic one.
In one example, an organization referred to as “Medicare Advantage” called for senior citizens. Tricked them into signing up for health plans. However, Medicare Advantage isn’t related to the federal government of the US. They’re simply using their name to do so and lure victims with a negative sense of security.
How to recognize fake Medicare plan scam phone calls:
- You get a phone call from a scammer saying that you are “pre-approve”. For a health care plan with more coverage than your current health care plan. If anyone offers you a Medicare plan, raise your queries and do your own analysis. several of these scam companies are misrepresenting their advantage plans to do and obtain what they pay for.
- You get a call from somebody unknown claiming to be a Medicare representative during the open enrollment period. Remember, Medicare can never contact you directly while not contacting you by email first. Do not inform uninvited calls, brochures, or visits from Medicare representatives unless you have a previous relationship with them.
You qualify free of charge medical supplies
scammers can easily recognize your health condition like diabetes. They may contact you with a scam phone call and offer you “free” medical supplies or prescribed drugs.
For example, fraudsters will find your health care info on the Dark web once an information breaches. Then, they’ll give you a phone call and offer free treatment for diabetes disorder. As well as glucose testing strips, lancets, lancing devices, and meter batteries.
Under the guise of giving, your free medical supplies and scam callers will:
- Try to get your Medicare number and alternative personal info.
- They will ask you for your MasterCard number to pay for shipping or alternative associated prices.
- Scammer Use your info to over-bill Medicare for the materials.
How to recognize a “free medical supplies” scam phone call:
- The scammer will offer you free medical supplies and medicines in return for your Medicare number. If an offer shows up too good to be true, it is just a fraud.
- Fraudsters ask you to buy shipping or give your money info for associated costs. Never buy medical supplies or medication while it is not an an official invoice you can simply make sure that you are with Medicare or your insurance supplier.
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What to do If You get a Medicare Scammer Call.
Medicare scammers often use persuasive, threatening, and aggressive language. However, it’s vital to stay calm and keep this in mind. They can’t Harm you without having your sensitive info.
If you or any family member gets a Medicare scam phone call, here are the things you have to do:
Don’t give your personal info: Never share your personal information with someone who is unknown, calls you, and claims to be from Medicare. This info includes your name, address, Medicare number, and social security number (SSN).
End of the Call: Trust your impulse. If a call looks doubtful, don’t worry about being rude. You can reach Medicare directly at Medicare.gov or by carrier at 1-800-MEDICARE. Don’t contact the person who tried to scam you.
Report scam phone calls: If you receive Medicare scammer calls, you must report them as quickly as possible. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or contact their fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Warn your friends and family: Let your friends and relatives know that you’ve received a Medicare scam calls. If you’re on a similar phone plan or within the same house. They may also be target by a similar scam. Even if they aren’t, several Medicare scams similar; sharing your expertise might facilitate others to defend themselves. Also, if they get scam calls for more guidance, call AARP at 877-908-3360 & if you want to buy Medicare insurance or want to update your plan, visit Shield My Life or contact us at
Always remember: Medicare doesn’t contact you. You have to contact them. Especially else, keep in mind that Medicare won’t contact you to sell you anything. If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone unknown claiming to be with Medicare, simply hang up.
Will Medicare ever contact you?
According to the Medicare official website, there are only 2 reasons why you receive a Phone call from Medicare:
- A Medicare Health or Prescription Drug Plan supplier might call you if you’re already a member of the plan. The agent who helped you to join may also contact you.
- A client service representative from 1-800-MEDICARE will contact you if you’ve call or left a message (or received a letter informing you that someone will contact you).
Did you provide personal info to Scammer? do this.
If you’ve already provided your info to a fraudster, you may be in danger of a recognition scam or money fraud. However, the worst factor you do is panic or blame yourself.
Scammers are extraordinarily convincing. Act in a hurry to reduce the harm they’ll do.
If you provide your Medicare number to a fraudster:
- Visit Medicare.gov’s official website reporting Medicare Fraud and Abuse page for the correct contact info for the department. You need to reach out relating to the state of your situation.
- When contacting Medicare, keep your Medicare number prepared, additionally, for any details relating to the scam phone call.
- Next, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov to file an official fraud report. this is often essential for disputing dishonorable charges that scammers may have built in your name.
If you give a Medicare scammer you're banking or personal information:
- f you provide personal info to Medicare scammers. You have to treat it as your identity has been stolen.
- visit the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and file an official identity fraud report. Then, contact your legal team and file a police report for recognition of fraud.
- Next, freeze your credit report back. To make sure that scammers can’t withdraw loans or open new accounts in your name.
Lock your credit report with single tap so scammers can’t access it.
- You should additionally contact your bank to tell them of this fraud. They’ll cancel your account and make you out with new ones.
- As a final security measure, think about signing up for recognition fraud protection. Aura perpetually monitors your SSN, bank accounts, and alternative sensitive info for signs of fraud. You’ll receive alerts concerning any suspicious activity and obtain 24/7 facilitation from their team of fraud resolution specialists.
- Plus, if the worst ought to happen. Each Aura arrangement comes with $1,000,000 in sum for eligible losses because of fraud.
How To Stop Medicare (and All Others) Scam Phone Calls
- Medicare scam calls aren’t the only way fraudsters can attempt to scam you over a phone call. Here’s the way to reduce the quantity of spam and scam phone calls you receive:
- Familiar yourself with common scammer techniques, therefore you’ll be less doubtless about falling prey to a scam in the future.
- Don’t answer phone calls from unknown numbers.
- Whenever somebody contacts you claiming to be from an organization, hang up and contact the organization directly using the organization number on their website.
- Register your contact number on the FTC’s don’t call List.
- If a caller asks you to press a number on your input device to stop their calls, don’t do it.
- Ask your phone supplier what blocking tools they provide for scam calls.
- Set a pin code for your voicemail so that scammers cannot spoof it.
Bottom Line: Don’t Let Medicare Scammers Steal Your Medicare benefits.
When it involves Medicare scam phone calls. Keep in mind this first and foremost: Medicare doesn’t contact you; you contact them.
Meanwhile, the legal team continues to try and do its best to confine down the Medicare scams. The simplest and best way to protect yourself is to be proactive. Be smart, suspend and hang up on scammers. For further protection, take into account Shield My Life.
