The phone rings. A voice says “I’m calling from Medicare. Have you received your new Medicare card?” Medicare hasn’t replaced cards since 2018. And the fact is, this is one of the most common types of scams. A new Medicare card call.
Medicare card scams involve criminals posing as Medicare representatives to steal personal information (like a Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details) and money. Scammers use this information to commit identity theft and file fraudulent claims for medical services or equipment your older adult clients never requested or received.
According to the FBI, every year, millions of seniors fall victim to some kind of fraud. Why older adults? Well, older adults tend to be polite and trusting. Many have financial savings, a home, and good credit that makes them attractive to scammers.
How to Protect Your Clients from the new Medicare Card Call Scam.
Here are some easy tips to share with your clients and their families about their medicare cards.
First inform your clients and family members that:
- Protect your clients from scams like the Medicare Card Call
Medicare will never call unexpectedly and ask for private information. A representative will only return calls.
- Medicare cards are paper and mailed out automatically. If someone calls and says your client needs a new plastic, metal, or chip-enabled Medicare card and requires personal information or a fee to get it–that’s a scam.
- Guard information: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Only share it with your doctor, pharmacist, or other trusted healthcare providers.
- Hang up immediately: If your client receives a suspicious call, they should hang up. Do not speak to the caller or press any buttons.
- Initiate contact: If your client thinks a call might be legitimate, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Use a phone number from an official source like the back of their card or the Medicare.gov website.
- Review statements: Your client or family members should regularly check Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for services or equipment they didn’t receive or their doctor didn’t order.
The phone rings. Older clients want to answer. Hoping the caller is a loved one or friend who wants to connect. Following the advice above can help them do so, confidently and safely.
For more information on different types of Medicare fraud read this from the National Council on Aging.
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