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 Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams Guard your personal information and contact Medicare if you have any questions or concerns.
What do I do if I get a Medicare scam call?
After receiving a Medicare scam phone call that asks for your Medicare number or other personal information, reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
What happens if you are part of a Medicare scam?
Under the federal False Claims Act, if you are part of a false claim operation — known to you or not — you may be liable. Prescription fraud: Medicare crooks take your Medicare number and fill prescriptions that they then sell on the black market. Often you will find out you’ve become a victim when your own prescriptions are denied.
What to do if you are a victim of a scam?
Call the police on 999. If you have fallen victim to a scam, make sure you report it. You may not always be able to get your money back, but you might be able to reduce the damage and take steps to stop it happening again – to you or other people.
What are the different types of Medicare abuse scams?
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.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
The scammer, usually associated with a telemarketing firm, will pitch fake benefit plans over a phone call. Typically, these plans will require you to disclose personal details to enroll. Once you share your information, the scammer may use it to steal your identity and bill Medicare for services you did not receive.
What is considered Medicare abuse?
What Is Medicare Abuse? Abuse describes practices that may directly or indirectly result in unnecessary costs to the Medicare Program. Abuse includes any practice that does not provide patients with medically necessary services or meet professionally recognized standards of care.
How can I report a scammer?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET). The FTC accepts complaints about most scams, including these popular ones: Phone calls.
How does Medicare contact?
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.
What are the three examples Medicare uses to describe abuse?
Common types of abuse include: Billing for unnecessary services (services that are not medically necessary) Overcharging for services or supplies. Misusing billing codes to increase reimbursement.
How do I recover from being scammed?
Steps to Recovering from a Con, Scam, or Fraud SchemeRecovering from a con, scam or fraud scheme may be a long and difficult process. ... Step 1: Keep track of your credit report.Step 2: Consider filing an extended fraud alert.Step 3: Think about filing a civil suit in court.Step 4: Don't blame yourself.More items...
Can you report scammer to police?
Even if you haven't actually lost any money to a fraudster you can still make an information report to Action Fraud to tell them about an unsuccessful attempt to scam or defraud you. The police encourage this as information may help to protect others from being defrauded.
What can you do if you get scammed?
If you've been scammed, consider reporting the fraud to the police to see if they can take any action, as well as to your state consumer protection office. You can also report scams to the FTC. File a report online with the FTC, or by phone at (877) 382-4357.
What do I do if I gave my social security number to a scammer?
You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.
What phone number is 800 633 4227?
For questions about Medicare benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
What to do if you have fallen victim to a scam?
If a crime is in progress, or you or someone else is in immediate danger, this is an emergency. Call the police on 999. If you have fallen victim to a scam, make sure you report it. You may not always be able to get your money back, but you might be able to reduce the damage and take steps to stop it happening again – to you or other people.
What to do if you have been tricked into revealing personal information?
You might have more protection if you've paid for something by credit card. Contact your bank immediately if you know that you’ve been tricked into revealing personal information or banking details, or if you notice suspicious activity on your account.
What is phishing scam?
Phishing is when scammers send fake messages by text, email or social media to fish for your personal information, such as bank details or passwords, or promise rewards for an upfront fee . Certain scams can also be reported to Trading Standards using the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133). Trading Standards looks at cases ...
What is victim support?
Victim Support is an independent charity that supports victims of crime or traumatic events. When you report a scam to Action Fraud, they will ask if they can pass your details to Victim Support, who will then contact you to offer free, emotional and practical support.
Do scammers ask for money back?
Be aware that scammers sometimes target people they know have already lost money to scams. They might claim to be an organisation that can help to get your money back in exchange for an upfront fee. Genuine law enforcement agencies would never ask for a fee to recover the money you have lost.
How long does it take to recover from financial fraud?
Unfortunately, if you are the victim of financial fraud, it is up to you to put your financial life back in order. It can take over a year to recover from this type of crime. Your first responsibility in regaining control is to notify the appropriate organizations.
How long does a fraud alert last?
If after the 90-day fraud alert expires you still feel the need for additional protection, consider filing for an extended fraud alert that will last for seven years. You could also consider a credit freeze, which will block access to your credit file until a time in the future when you decide to unlock it.
Is financial fraud common?
But, also understand that the situation is not your fault. Financial fraud is more common than you think. If you are the victim of a con, scam, or act of fraud, you may also be dealing with identity theft and financial loss. Unfortunately, if you are the victim of financial fraud, it is up to you to put your financial life back in order.
What to do if you are being scammed?
If the scammer was able to obtain your personal identifying information (social security number, date of birth, etc.), then you need to contact all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and place a free 90-day fraud alert on your credit reports. This will reduce the risk of the scammer using your information to obtain new lines of credit, such as a loan or credit card. You can also place a freeze on your credit to completely prevent anyone from accessing your credit report. You can find more information on how to set up a security (credit) freeze here.
How do I report a scam on Social Security?
You can also report Social Security scams to the Office of the Inspector General by calling their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or filing a report at https://oig.ssa.gov/.
How to avoid falling victim to a scam?
To help others avoid falling victim to the scam, the affected business or agency will usually notify patrons and post a warning on their website. Overall, the best and most important step you can take after falling for a scam is to tell someone. At the very least, notify law enforcement, and do so immediately.
What to do if you get scammed by a bank?
If you provided a scammer with your bank information or they were able to steal funds from your account, you need to contact your financial institution (s) immediately . Depending on the situation, your bank will help you determine the best course of action.
How do I contact Social Security if my social security number is exposed?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) If your social security number was exposed, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213. Another suggestion is to create a “my Social Security” account if you haven’t already.
Is a scam a crime?
A scam constitutes fraud, which is a criminal act. Notify law enforcement immediately once you realize that you have been conned. This will enable you to obtain a police report, which could possibly help you recoup your losses. It will also allow law enforcement to begin their investigation promptly.
The Medicare open enrollment period tends to lead to an increase in scam calls
From October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can renew their benefits and new insurance seekers are able to apply. They can also expect brochures, notices from Social Security, a “Medicare & You” handbook, or even an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) depending on their enrollment status.
How Medicare sought to protect its beneficiaries
Historically, it has been incredibly easy to siphon information from vulnerable people over the phone, especially the elderly, due to the fact that people have grown accustomed to verifying their identity with their social security number.
How to protect yourself and those around you from malicious robocalls
Scammers know to target the elderly and vulnerable, never answer a number you don’t recognize. Smartphones can even alert you with a “ Scam Likely ” caller ID to help people remain protected (find out how to activate it here ).
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.
What to do if you find a discrepancy in Medicare?
If you find a discrepancy, call your doctor’s office first to rule out an innocent error.
What happens when someone steals your medical information?
Medical identity theft happens directly to you when someone steals your personal information, especially a Medicare number, to get devices, treatment or medicine, and submits fraudulent claims under your name.
Is a scooter a scam?
Scooters, back braces and other devices that are offered at “no cost to you” are in many cases scams to defraud Medicare and give you an inferior product, if you get it at all. Under the federal False Claims Act, if you are part of a false claim operation — known to you or not — you may be liable.
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!