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Stay alert to Medicare and Social Security scams

Posted at 1:04 PM, Nov 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-03 14:04:39-04

If you or someone you know is receiving Medicare or Social Security benefits, watch out.

Any of us can fall for a scam at any time. But this is the time of year when those receiving Medicare and Social Security benefits are especially vulnerable.

This is open enrollment season for Medicare, and scammers know that seniors and others will be focused on many things related to Medicare and Social Security.

Some of the scams may include a fast-talking, aggressive, or sweet sounding person, posing as someone from Medicare, Social Security, an insurance company or medical facility asking for a new Medicare or Social Security number, bank information or other personal information. They may try to carry out their scheme by threatening legal action, loss of benefits, or offering freebies and money.

If you get a phone call like this, do not provide any personal information, and hang up. If you are not sure if the call was legitimate, contact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Social Security, your insurer or medical facility at a number that you know is legitimate to ask questions.

Keep in mind, Social Security and Medicare will never call asking for your personal information. If you continue to receive these calls or fall victim to one of these scams, file a complaint with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Social Security, and call our Call 4 Action office to get help.