Medicare fraud is on the rise, and those looking for ways to scam some quick cash from the elderly seems to be a growing list. With many confused about the ongoing talks from government officials, more people have fallen for these scams than ever before. There are many elderly people out there who are worried about the state of their Medicare coverage, and with that worry may come an increased uncertainty about Medicare. Combined, this is setting up more people to fall for fraud that they wouldn’t otherwise.
Scam artists use a variety of tricks that may make them look legit, and figuring out who’s who (especially when it may be someone who is only looking out for your wallet) can be increasingly difficult.
- Scammers may use papers or brochures that look like real government documents, and even claim to be from the government. They may use a variety of ways to get into touch with the elderly as well, from email, telephones, and at times mailings and visits.
- The only time you will need your social security number with Medicare, is when you are actually enrolling.
- The government won’t ask you for bank account details, credit card numbers, or life insurance policy numbers ever.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for identification. Government officials will show you and let you look at it. If you ask and they won’t let you get a good look it’s cause for concern.
- Medicare doesn’t have stings attached. If whomever is talking to you about prizes, gifts or something else as a requirement beware.
For more helpful advice, you can check out Fraud.org for more tips and advice over what to watch out for.
If you aren’t sure if someone is who they say they are, it is best to beware and not give any information.
Tags: elderly, Fraud, Government, Health, Health care, Home, Insurance, Medicare, Medicine, Research, senior citizens, United States
