Can someone steal my identity with my Medicare number?
Medical identity theft happens when someone steals or uses your personal information (like your name, Social Security Number, or Medicare Number) to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers without your permission. Medicare is working to find and prevent fraud and abuse.
Why would a scammer want my Medicare number?
Sign up for Watchdog Alerts for more tips on avoiding scams. For example, Medicare impostors might ask for your new identifying number to “activate” your card or confirm that you received it.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
Medicare will never call you to sell you anything and they can't enroll you over the phone unless you called first. Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls asking for it.
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!
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.
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.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is a serious crime that happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Personal information includes things like your name and your Social Security, Medicare, or credit card numbers.
How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?
How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.
What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?
If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.
How to protect yourself from robocalls?
If this is your case, you might consider downloading an application to your cell phone that can help safeguard you from robocalls. When a robocall strikes your phone, be sure to never speak to them. By responding, you’re telling the spammers that your phone number is active. Immediately file a complaint with the FTC.
How long after you register for Do Not Call list can you get spam calls?
Also, register both your cell phone and home phone to put an end to the calls. If you find you’re still getting spam calls 31 days after you register with the Do Not Call list, file a complaint. If you have a smartphone, you can install a call blocker.
What is the phone number for the Federal Trade Commission?
To register, call from the phone which you want on the Do Not Call list. The phone number is 1-888-382-1222.
Do not call Medicare?
If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list. Medicare beneficiaries are likely to receive phone calls once they become eligible for Medicare.
Is a robocall the same as a doctor's appointment?
Not all robocalls are the same. Often, doctors’ offices will use a robocall to remind you of a doctor’s appointment. Keep this in mind when listening to a robocall. Not all robocalls are harmful, but about 40% of them are spam, and that’s why making reports is essential.
