![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.realcall.ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/medical-scam.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n- How to Identify a Medicare Phone Call Scam?<\/a><\/li>
- Main Types of Medicare Phone Call Scams<\/a><\/li>
- How to Avoid Medicare Phone Call Scams<\/a><\/li>
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
How to Identify a Medicare Phone Call Scam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being a Medicare beneficiary comes with great healthcare benefits, but it also makes you a target for scammers. Here’s how to identify a phony phone call:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aggressive or threatening tactics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers harass with repeated calls, voicemails, and callbacks, even after you hang up. They may resort to threats, like canceling your plan or arrest for not verifying your info. Remember, Medicare won’t threaten you over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unsolicited phone calls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers impersonate government officials or trusted insurance companies, even spoofing your local Medicare office’s caller ID. Remember, Medicare won’t peddle plans over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Identity verification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers love fake “identity verification” calls. They use them to steal your Social Security number, address, and more, potentially leading to full identity theft. They may even request a credit card number for “verification” \u2013 a giant red flag!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, Medicare never calls or emails for identity verification or credit card details. Unsure about a call? Contact Medicare directly at https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/<\/a> or 1-800-MEDICARE. They can confirm if they’ve recently reached out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Email solicitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A few simple design tools can make an email look like it came from Medicare or an insurance provider. Scammers can even spoof Medicare email addresses, or redirect you to a web page that looks identical to the real Medicare page. Never give personal information to someone who contacts you via email, even if they seem legitimate. Don’t click links in the emails \u2013 log into your official account directly (not through email links) to update or verify anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mail solicitation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Legitimate plans may contact you by mail, but it’s a common tactic for scammers too. Don’t respond directly. Research plans on Medicare.gov or your insurer’s website. Enroll online or at a local office – skip the mail-in enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned above, Medicare will never call you to gather information or give you information over the phone. If someone claiming to be from Medicare wants information over the phone, hang up! Same goes for suspicious emails. Medicare scam calls<\/strong> increase when changes to Medicare occur and during the election periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Main Types of Medicare Phone Call Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medicare scam calls<\/strong> are the most common but these schemes can also happen via door-to-door visits, postal mail, or email. Scammers will do everything they can to steal your identity. In the past, they try to convince their victims to give their names, social security numbers, and other financial information. Since 2018, new Medicare cards no longer have SSNs. Instead, they feature the beneficiary\u2019s Medicare number. However, that didn\u2019t stop scammers from stealing information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is the list of the most common and newest Medicare scams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Medicare Call Scams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers are crafty, often mimicking real Medicare representatives. They sound knowledgeable and friendly, but their goal is to steal your personal information. Be wary if they ask for your name, birthday, address, or Medicare number upfront. Heavy accents or broken English can also be signs of a scam. Hang up and report suspicious calls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Medicare Card Scams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CMS wanted to improve the beneficiaries\u2019 protection against identity theft so it started to give out new Medicare cards in April 2018. However, fraudsters used it as an opportunity to scam people. As a Medicare beneficiary, you don\u2019t have to update your information, pay a fee, or do anything else to activate your new Medicare card. Don\u2019t be fooled if someone tells you otherwise. CMS will mail your updated and new Medicare card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Free Medical Equipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another type of Medicare scam involves offering free medical equipment. A caller will offer you free medical supplies, equipment, and even medical check-up. They promise that Medicare will cover all the expenses. The only thing you need to give is your SSN or Medicare Number and your credit card number to cover the shipping costs for the free medical equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Medicare Refunds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers call Medicare beneficiaries to tell them that they\u2019re entitled to a refund. In return, they just need to provide their personal banking information. Medicare won\u2019t call you about refunds or ask for your personal information through the phone. If you\u2019re entitled to one, Medicare will mail you a check. The first thing that scammers will do is gather potential victims\u2019 names, birthdates, and mailing addresses. They will start calling and trick you into sharing confidential information. These people usually talk with heavy accents and broken English. Raise the red flag when receiving such a call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Genetic Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scammers also offer free or low-cost genetic testing fraud schemes. They will offer tests for cancer and susceptibility to other health conditions. They\u2019ll tell you that you don\u2019t have to worry about the expenses because Medicare will take care of them, but you have to provide your Medicare information. Whether it\u2019s through phone, mail, or house calls, you should remember that Medicare doesn\u2019t cover random genetic testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Medicare Robocall Scams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Robocalls, which are automated telephone calls, can also be used to trick Medicare beneficiaries. These tactics aren\u2019t limited to taking credit cards or bank information. They can also be used to gather social security numbers, Medicare numbers, and other health plan ID numbers. If you receive such calls, don\u2019t provide your personal or health information. You should ask for a call back number if you think or suspect that it\u2019s a scam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Coronavirus-Related Medicare Scams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Callers may pretend that they\u2019re from your insurance company and sell coverage in case you get hospitalized due to severe COVID-19. They may also promote coronavirus-related products that promise to prevent, treat, or diagnose COVID-19. Other scammers may also pose as contact tracers and say that you have been exposed to the virus. You shouldn\u2019t believe any of these, so don\u2019t provide your Medicare and other personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Avoid Medicare Phone Call Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remember alert signs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some important facts you must remember about Medicare so you\u2019ll be less at risk of falling prey to Medicare scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare doesn\u2019t make sales calls.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t call to ask for your personal information unless you\u2019ve given permission in advance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare doesn\u2019t send a representative to visit you at home.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t promise to give you something in exchange for your Medicare number.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t call you to enroll for coverage unless you called first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t call to inform you that your card has expired and they\u2019ll be sending a new one.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Add your phone number to FTC\u2019s Do Not Call List. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nobody wants to receive unsolicited phone calls, especially from Medicare scammers. But there\u2019s something you can do to stop getting them, and that\u2019s to add your phone number to FTC\u2019s Do Not Call List. You should call 1-888-382-1222 using the phone that you want to register for the Do Not Call list. It\u2019s best if you register both your home phone and cell phone number. File a complaint with the FTC or Federal Trade Commission if you continue to receive spam calls 31 days after registering your phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Report a Medicare scam right away, whether it\u2019s you or someone you know who\u2019s involved.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Report a Medicare scam to the\u2002Federal Trade Commission\u2019s Complaint Assistant<\/a>. You can also go to the\u2002Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services<\/a> (CMS) to report suspicious activities. Report the Medicare scam call<\/strong> directly to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say no to robocalls by using call block app RealCall. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you get a cold call trying to sell you something, ignore it. Robocalls are usually illegal. If you get an unwanted call, use the realcall app which also avoids offers that come through text or an unexpected email based on a strong number database and continuous iteration of blocking rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Scammers are everywhere. You must remain vigilant in protecting your personal information. You shouldn\u2019t give out details about your Medicare cover to anyone. Don\u2019t entertain unsolicited calls, US mail, email, or even house calls from people who claim that they\u2019re Medicare representatives. Report the Medicare scam calls<\/strong> immediately to the authorities and have your number listed on the Do Not Call list to stop receiving Medicare scam calls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are targeted by scammers year-round, but especially during the Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7). Beware! With 60 million beneficiaries, Medicare is a goldmine for criminals. This year alone, the FTC saw a staggering 332,000 reports of scams targeting Medicare and HHS, highlighting a billion-dollar problem. Beyond financial theft,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","ub_ctt_via":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Medical-Scam1200.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"RealCall Team","author_link":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/author\/realcall-team\/"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1123"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1123"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4084,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1123\/revisions\/4084"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realcall.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Medicare won\u2019t call to inform you that your card has expired and they\u2019ll be sending a new one.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t call you to enroll for coverage unless you called first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t promise to give you something in exchange for your Medicare number.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare doesn\u2019t send a representative to visit you at home.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Medicare won\u2019t call to ask for your personal information unless you\u2019ve given permission in advance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Main Types of Medicare Phone Call Scams<\/a><\/li>