Scams and Fraud Targeting Beneficiaries
Medicare fraud and scams remain a major issue, often spiking during enrollment periods:
- Scammers pose as Medicare reps, offering “free” equipment, refunds, or new cards in exchange for your Medicare number or personal info.
- Common tactics include pressure to switch plans, fake provider directory issues, or demands for payment for a “new card.” Medicare will never call asking for your number or payment for a card.
- Medical identity theft can lead to bogus claims in your name, affecting your records and potentially denying you future benefits.
Protect yourself: Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) monthly, never share your Medicare number unsolicited, and report suspicions to 1-800-MEDICARE. New cards with updated identifiers are still being issued in fraud cases, which scammers exploit.
For specific questions or information, consult with a licensed expert: Peter Tamayo has decades of experience. Call 714-642-6944 or to set up a quick chat use this link: https://calendly.com/4mymedicaremeeting/30minutecheck-in
Note: This article draws on multiple sources.