Medicare scam tactics
- Pretending to be trustworthy. Often, criminals try to create an air of trust with their victims right away. ...
- Phone calls. Most imposters wield telephones as their weapon of choice. ...
- Fear tactics. Scam artists like to use fear as a tool too. ...
- False promises
What do Medicare scammers really want?
Jun 22, 2020 ·
How do I report a Medicare scam?
When do you get Medicare scam phone calls?
Nov 25, 2020 · Medicare Scam Calls: How To Avoid The customer service representative’s refusal to give out a physical address for the company or other identifying information makes this very suspicious. A legitimate company will never refuse to give this …
Is there a new Medicare telemarketing scam?
Jul 07, 2021 · Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number. From offers for free medical supplies and …
What can a scammer do with a Medicare number?
If you get a call from people promising you things if you give them your Medicare Number — don't do it. This is a common Medicare scam. Refuse any offer of money or gifts for free medical care. A common ploy of identity thieves is to say they can send you your free gift right away — they just need your Medicare Number.Sep 15, 2021
What if someone gets your Medicare number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE if your Medicare card is lost, or you believe someone else is using your Medicare Number. If it's your Social Security card, visit socialsecurity.gov, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
Does Medicare contact you by phone?
Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they'll NEVER call. You'll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you're receiving claim to be from Medicare, it's a spam call.
Why am I getting so many phone calls about Medicare?
Phone calls Sometimes, they're selling phony products such as supplemental or prescription drug Medicare plans. The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information.
Can someone steal my identity with my Medicare number?
One common kind of healthcare-related fraud is medical identity theft, which happens when a thief uses personal information — including your Medicare number — to access your healthcare benefits. This could include: Filling prescriptions. Purchasing medical equipment.Dec 9, 2021
What is a Medicare scam?
In this scam, someone contacts Medicare recipients and offers free or low-cost medical services or supplies, such as back and knee braces. Once you offer up your Medicare number and information, they’ll use it to fraudulently bill Medicare for services, equipment and appointments—for themselves. This drains your medical benefits, which means you might not be able to use them later, and you’re left to cover any shared costs.
Why are scammers targeting elderly people?
Scammers target elderly people assuming they’re more naive than the rest of the population or more willing to listen to someone on the phone. “Through the normal aging process, you might not be as sharp or able to catch on to something than you would have 20 years earlier,” Roberts said.
Can a scammer use a Medicare number?
With that Medicare number, a scammer can use a beneficiary’s information to fill prescriptions, file fraudulent claims or sell the number on the dark web. Criminals call Medicare recipients, possibly using spoofed caller IDs, and use different methods to get that number.
Does Medicare call you?
Medicare employees will never initiate a phone call. If you answer a call and it feels suspicious, “hang up,” Roberts said. “You don’t owe that person anything.”. Call Medicare’s customer service line directly at 800-633-4227 to see if they contacted you.
Can a customer service representative refuse to give out a physical address?
The customer service representative’s refusal to give out a physical address for the company or other identifying information makes this very suspicious. A legitimate company will never refuse to give this information to its’ potential customers.
Is Lifewatch a scam?
Scammers make similar robocalls claiming to be from real companies. Some of these organizations are First Alert Company, Medical Emergency, Medical Alert Company, Life Alert, or Lifewatch USA. There are a few other Medicare scam calls that you need to avoid.
Is Medicare a scam?
Medicare Scam Calls: How They Work. It’s a universal fact that criminals have no shame while Medicare scam calls that target the elderly are the lowest of the low. Seniors across the nation are reporting a new Medicare telemarketing fraud, which comes in a few variations. Some of the examples reported are in regards to a fake Life Alert ...
How do Medicare phone scams work?
Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
Because many Medicare recipients have received new Medicare cards since 2018, scam calls encouraging the “activation” of these cards are on the rise. You do not need to activate a Medicare card, update your information, or pay any kind of fee to use your new card once you receive it.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
To help prevent against identity theft, Medicare has issued new cards to recipients that have your Medicare number instead of your Social Security number on the back.
Conclusion
It can be a scary world out there, but the best offense is a great defense. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on all things Medicare — you never know when it could save you big!
How to deal with Medicare scams?
The most common Medicare scams include: 1. You need to pay for your new card .
What do criminals call you about Medicare?
The criminal may call you claiming that you need to verify your Social Security, bank, or credit card information before they can send your new Medicare card. They may also ask you to verify your address. 5. Your new card was lost or compromised in some way.
What do you call a medicare representative?
Medicare rarely calls beneficiaries, and never calls to ask for your banking, credit card, or Social Security information. Anyone who calls you claiming to be from Medicare and asking for this information is a criminal. If you’re worried that there is legitimately an issue that needs your attention, hang up the phone. Then, call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). That way, you know for sure you’re speaking to a Medicare representative. He or she can give you the assistance you need.
What to do if someone calls you for your medical card number?
Whether it’s the new card or your old one, protect it. If someone calls you and asks for your card number, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE. When you get your new card, shred the old one, making sure to destroy the number.
How to contact Social Security if you are not sure your information is correct?
If you aren’t sure yours is correct, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or update – or create – your Social Security account. 7. Review Your Medicare Statements. One of the things these criminals use your information for is billing Medicare for fake services.
How to protect yourself from stealing your information?
One of the best ways to protect yourself against criminals looking to steal your information is to know what Medicare will and won’t do, and how to protect your information. 1. You don’t have to do anything to get the new Medicare card. These cards are automatically being sent to every beneficiary.
Can a criminal steal my Medicare number?
The main difference now is that, in addition to the above three, criminals may also attempt to steal your Medicare number. Previously, of course, this number was the same as your Social Security Number. These callers are often extremely aggressive. They may call repeatedly or at odd times of the day or night.
Full List of Medicare Scams Below
The range of schemes could be: Medicare scam calls, Medicare genetic testing, bogus medical alert systems, Medicare Advantage scam, fake medical alert devices, Medicare Coverage Helpline scam, and many other types of Medicare abuse.
Bidencare Health Email
The Bidencare Health Email Scam takes advantage of people interested in getting the health insurance through the Bidencare enrollment.
Fake COVID-19 Vaccine
A new COVID-19 vaccine scam is happening today. It's known as the Fierce Pharma Email Scam, Pfizer Online Registration or the NHS Invite.
Natural Health Sherpa Scam
Watch out for the Natural Health Sherpa Scam, which is happening this week. If you just received an invoice referencing the company.
Free Medicare Back Brace
Beware of the Free Medicare Back Brace Scam. How does it work? It comes to a phone call offering no-cost back braces covered by Medicare.
MyBenefitsKeeper Reviews and Health Insurance Innovations Scam Complaints
We've received complaints from people worrying about a potential MyBenefitsKeeper scam. Here are some Health Insurance Innovations reviews.
ZuPoo Colon Cleanse
There is a bit of craziness these days about a potential ZuPoo scam. What is it? Miracle products. Read these ZoPoo colon cleanse reviews.
Why do scammers ask for my Medicare number?
Some scammers ask for your Medicare number so they can get Medicare to pay them for benefits you've never received or didn't need. While this doesn't take money directly out of your pocket, it does cause the government to spend more on your benefits, raising costs for everybody.
Who do scammers pose as in Medicare fraud?
Other scammers might pose as friends, relatives, law enforcement, or the IRS.
How to avoid Medicare fraud?
Help yourself and others avoid fraud in the future by reporting any scams that target you. File a complaint with the FTC to help them track Medicare fraud and scams.
What is the biggest Medicare fraud case?
Unnecessary medical braces. 2019 saw one of the largest Medicare fraud cases ever investigated by the FBI. In a scheme that lined criminal pockets with $13 million, scammers sold unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) to Medicare beneficiaries—then billed the government for it. The medical brace crackdown will result in trials ...
How much money did Americans lose to Medicare fraud in 2019?
According to the FTC, Americans lost $717.3 million to fraud in 2019. 3 And the top two kinds of fraud in the nation—imposter scams and identity theft—are also the most common types of Medicare fraud. Chances are, you or someone you know has received a phone call from someone trying to get your Medicare or Social Security number.
What happens if you fall for a Medicare scam?
If you fall for this scam, it could eat away at your benefits and prevent Medicare from covering similar tests in the future. And if a doctor doesn't order the test as medically necessary, you could end up footing the bill yourself. Many victims never receive their test results.
What do imposters do to Medicare?
Imposters who threaten to take away your Medicare benefits typically ask for money to prevent a (false) negative consequence. They’re after your money and may ask you to pay them in untraceable methods such as a wire transfer or gift cards.
How can Medicare Fraud affect you as an individual?
Medicare fraud wastes a lot of money each year and results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Con artists commit Medicare Fraud by getting people’s Medicare Identification number.
What do I do if I have been a victim to Medicare Fraud?
If you have been a victim to this type of telephone call or solicitation, or any type of Medicare Fraud, do not hesitate to contact us at the Anderson Law Firm, PLLC.
Can Medicare Fraud affect my healthcare?
Yes, Medicare Fraud can affect your healthcare because Medicare Fraud is one of the major contributors to the rise in healthcare costs. Medicare Fraud also can play a significant factor in your physician deciding whether to participate in the Medicare insurance program or not. All providers are not required to accept Medicare insurance.
