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.
Are Medicare scammers targeting older Americans?
But the new approach hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting older Americans. During the rollout, scammers impersonating Medicare employees called many beneficiaries, telling them they needed to verify personal information or pay a processing fee to get their new card.
How can I identify Medicare fraud?
Knowledge truly is power when it comes to Medicare fraud. Knowing that Medicare will never call you and ask for your Medicare number, for example, will alert you to fraud if you do receive a call like this. It’s also important to understand your Medicare benefits and read your statements carefully.
What happens if a scammer calls your phone number?
Many location-based systems will think it's you just by the scammer calling from your phone number. If hackers get this far, they can then change all your passwords and lock you out of your own accounts. Very scary stuff. How Do Scammers Get Your Phone Number?
Is it safe to give out my Medicare number?
Treat your Medicare card like it's a credit card. Don't ever give it out except to your doctor or other Medicare provider. Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for free medical equipment or any other free offer. Dishonest providers will use your numbers to get payment for services they never delivered.
What if a scammer gets my Medicare number?
More Resources. If you suspect a Medicare card scam, report it to Medicare at 800-633-4227. You can report identity theft, and get help with a recovery plan, at the Federal Trade Commission's IdentityTheft.gov site. You can also call the FTC at 877-438-4338.
How can I protect my Medicare card?
You can buy a plastic ID card holder at a stationery store to protect your card. If your Medicare card gets lost or damaged, you can contact the Social Security Administration to replace it by going to the agency's website.
How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number for free?
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Who do Medicare Scammers Target?
Medicare scammers target primarily the elderly; however, anyone can be a victim to their scams. Since the start of COVID-19, targeting of the elderly has increased substantially.
How do Scammers Contact You?
Scammers may contact you using various means. More often than not, they use phone calls to carry out their scams. These dishonest persons call people claiming to be from Medicare. They request money and personal information. Medicare.gov advises that con artists may try to get your Medicare Number or other personal information.
What Offers do Scammers Make?
It’s not always easy to determine when you are getting scammed, but these are some common offers that they use, and you can watch out for them.
Reporting a Medicare Scam
If someone has tried to scam you or if you have been scammed, use the phone numbers below to report the incident.
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.
1. Requests for your Medicare number
If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare or a company that says it needs your Medicare number to update records or provide services or medical equipment, don’t provide the number or other personal information. Just hang up.
2. Free genetic testing kits
Scammers claiming to offer “free” genetic testing kits to Medicare recipients are on the rise, according to the BBB. A scammer calls, claiming to be from Medicare or another organization or company with an official-sounding name.
3. Durable medical equipment
Another common Medicare scam is one in which someone calls offering free durable medical equipment such as a back brace or knee brace. The caller tells you that you qualify for the free equipment, and if you agree and provide your Medicare number, they will submit an order to your doctor for the products.
4. Phantom call Medicare imposters
Medicare scammers may employ “spoof’ caller ID technology to falsely identify the call as coming from Medicare or another government agency. So, don’t trust your caller I.D. if it shows the call is from Medicare. Medicare won’t call you with questions or issues, typically sending a letter instead.
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!
What does Medicare check?
If you have Original Medicare, check your MSN. This notice shows the health care services, supplies, or equipment you got, what you were charged, and how much Medicare paid. If you’re in a Medicare health plan, check the statements you get from your plan.
When you get health care services, record the dates on a calendar and save the receipts and statements you get from
When you get health care services, record the dates on a calendar and save the receipts and statements you get from providers to check for mistakes. Compare this information with the claims Medicare processed to make sure you or Medicare weren’t billed for services or items you didn’t get.
