Identifying Medicare Scam Calls and Ways to Stay Safe: A Senior’s Guide

FBI’s annual Elder Fraud Report reveals that in 2021, 470 Hawaiian victims over 60 have fallen prey to online scams. All the cases combined lost $11.6 million. The state has also witnessed several such scams, and the numbers are not decreasing.

Many medicare scams loot the beneficiary with false claims and in cunning ways. The senior Medicare patrol Hawaii tries its best to prevent, report and investigate these crimes. They also educate the seniors regarding calls and messages and make them aware of the state of affairs.

Scammers have all the necessary data and often need a number or small password to extract money. Therefore, you mustn’t entertain any unknown caller when they ask you for the slightest OTP or account number.

Medicare Scams

Elderly scams are mostly related to Medicare. Since most elders have medical insurance and know little about technology, it is easy to target them.

Most scams generally happen via telephone calls where they ask you to either open your computer and log in or ask for a number or password. They might even tell you that you owe them medication money or anything related to the medical facility and that you must make your payment right away. Do not fall into this trap and ask them to wait till you talk to your Medicare counselor.

Some even use emails to hack into your computer and steal your identity, financial details, and Social Security Number. Therefore do not open suspicious emails or attachments sent with them.

Most Common Scamming Techniques

Medicare fraud prevention is impossible until elderly people learn to identify a scam caller. So here we have compiled some of the most common ways a scammer will attempt to get information out of you.

Call to Verify Your Identity

If you get a call that wishes to verify your identity and asks for your social security number and pins, disconnect the call and report to your counselor. Your Medicare will never call you to verify your identity as they have all the necessary details in their files.

Too Good to be True Offers

Offers are one of the most common ways frauds try to trick innocent people. A caller will make amazing offers and insist you pay online right away. They will act extremely friendly and go out of their way to help you. They might offer free checkups and equipment to you and promise that your Medicare policy has it covered. The caller will ask for your credentials and credit card numbers to facilitate shipping. Do not fall prey to these calls. Forget about getting anything at all; they will rob you blind.

Offering a Refund or Cashback

Offering a refund is another common way a fraudulent caller operates. They will explain that you are entitled to a refund or cashback offer on your Medicare policy.

Next, they will ask for your credit card number and account details, promising the money in your account. But when you give them the details, they will extract all your money from your account.

How to Identify Scammer

There are no rule books for identifying scammers; thus, all you can do is try your best to be cautious. Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams:

• Do not divulge your personal information to people you do not know.
• Know your Medicare policy well.
• Have a Medicare counselor to help you in any case of emergency.
• If you have suspicions about a phone call, disconnect it immediately.
• Ask questions to your caller about the company and your policy. See if they can answer proficiently.
• Learn the basics about the latest technology. Know how to run a computer or a phone.
• Do not open emails and attachments with either a weird name or no name. If you don’t know much about computers, it is best not to respond to any emails apart from the ones you are sure of.
• Opt for medicare fraud reporting if you have been scammed.

Medicare fraud is rampantly growing, and old people are most targeted. It is a sorry state, and Hawaii is trying its best to cope with this crisis by assigning Medicare counselors to elderly people. Hence, they have someone to turn to in case of a scam emergency.