Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), Medicare beneficiaries should be vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling victim to healthcare fraud during this pandemic. Medicare beneficiaries should be aware that scammers may try to use this pandemic to steal their Medicare number, banking information or other personal data.
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of the most vulnerable people during times of uncertainty and change. Protect yourself by making sure you only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer or other trusted healthcare provider.
If someone calls saying they’re from Medicare and asks for your Medicare number or other personal information – just hang up. Medicare representatives will never:
- Call beneficiaries to ask for or to verify Medicare numbers.
- Call to sell you anything.
- Promise you things if you give them a Medicare number.
- Visit you at your home.
- Call to enroll you in a Medicare program over the phone, unless you called first.
Medicare cards no longer have Social Security numbers on them to reduce fraud and protect beneficiaries from identity theft. Even with this change, guard your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Always check your Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, please report it by calling Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also visit Medicare online at medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud.
Please help inform others by sharing this message with family and friends.
Source: Social Security Administration
