Why scammers love this time of year
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, and scammers know it. Millions of people are comparing plans, opening mail, and answering calls, which makes it easy for a fake “Medicare representative” to blend in. Their goal is simple: get your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information.
The good news? Once you know the pattern, these scams are easy to spot.
What Medicare will and won’t do
- Medicare will not call, text, email, or message you on social media out of the blue to ask for your Medicare, Social Security, or bank account number.
- Medicare will not try to sell you anything.
- Medicare will not charge you for a “new” or “updated” card. Cards are free and are mailed to you automatically.
- Medicare will not show up at your door.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly and does any of the above, it isn’t Medicare.
Your quick safety checklist
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can make a call look like it’s coming from Medicare.
- Hang up, then call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself to check.
- Treat your Medicare number like your Social Security number or credit card.
- Only share it with your doctors, pharmacies, and people you’ve chosen to work with.
- Read your Medicare statements and look for services you never received.
- Keep your card at home unless you have an appointment.
The three mistakes I see most often
- Staying on the line to “be polite.” The longer you talk, the more pressure you feel. It’s okay to hang up.
- Confirming “just a little” information. Even saying “yes, I have Part B” or reading the last four digits of a number gives a scammer something to work with.
- Believing a “medical equipment claim” you don’t remember. Scammers use fake claims like back braces or test kits to get your number so they can bill Medicare in your name.
If you already gave out your number
Don’t panic or feel embarrassed. This happens to smart people every day. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened, and watch your statements closely. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Free help right here in Florida
Florida’s SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling, and its Senior Medicare Patrol helps people protect, detect, and report fraud. You can reach them at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
A simple rule to remember
If you didn’t ask for the call, you don’t owe them an answer.
I walk Southwest Florida clients through Medicare decisions at no cost to you. No pressure, just education. Get My Free Consultation → info@trusthaveninsurance.com
Jessie A. Navalta, Owner/Broker, TrustHaven Insurance Agency