We know how bad the scam calls can be! If you get a call from a number that you do not recognize, it is best to just let it go to voicemail. This way, it prevents you from having to deal with a scammer and taking the chance of giving out personal information. If they leave a message, it gives you time to think things through and to determine if it is an actual call or a scam. If it is someone who says, “they are calling from your insurance company,” the best method to go about it is not to call the number they leave you, because it can be someone trying to scam you. Instead, look at the back of your insurance card and look for the customer service number and call that number instead. This way, they can tell you if yes, in fact, they were trying to reach you, or if it was a scam, and then you can report it. Scammers can say the following: I am returning your call, I am calling with a no-cost plan or discounted plan, I am calling from your insurance company, etc.
Never give out your full name, your date of birth, your social security or Medicare number to anyone who calls, especially if you are not 100% sure who you are speaking with. If you did not try to call your insurance company or are not expecting a call from them, then anyone who calls you saying they need to speak with you regarding your insurance is a SCAMMER!
Key points for Medicare Fraud: If you get a call, text, or email asking for your Medicare Number, don’t respond. Don’t give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people that you know should have it. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claim statements and read them over carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it may very well be fraud. If you find something or have a question that it could be a fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Most importantly, guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.
- Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
- Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468 or file a report online.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-438-4338 (TTY users should call 1-866-653-4261).
- Call the Fraud Hotline of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477
Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.