Medicare Card Scams- What to Know
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and others from Medicare Card Scams. Share this information with friends and family to keep your loved ones safe from fraud!
What You Need to Know
Scammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people, and Medicare beneficiaries are often prime targets. One of the latest fraud trends involves scammers trying to convince seniors that they need a new Medicare card. However, Medicare is NOT issuing new cards this year, so if someone tells you otherwise, it’s a scam.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters may call, email, or send letters claiming:
- Medicare is issuing new cards with chips, plastic, or metal designs.
- Your current card is expiring, and you must verify your personal information to receive a new one.
- You need to pay a fee or risk losing your benefits.
- These tactics are designed to steal your personal information, which can lead to medical identity theft, fraudulent billing, and even denied healthcare services.
How to Protect Yourself from Medicare Card Scams
- Guard Your Medicare Number: Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Share it only with trusted healthcare providers.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact: Medicare will never call, text, or email you unexpectedly to issue a new card.
- Check Your Medicare Statements: Look for any unusual claims or charges that you don’t recognize.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you experience any of the following, it’s a scam:
- Unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from Medicare.
- Requests for personal information to “update” your Medicare card.
- Threats of fines or service loss if you don’t provide your Medicare number.
- Claims that a new Medicare card is required for continued coverage.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam, report it immediately to:
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for fraud concerns: smpresource.org or 877-808-2468
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Medicare coverage questions: shiphelp.org or 877-839-2675