False advertising and Medicare scams

Seven scams to watch for

1. 1

   You are told to get a new Medicare card

   Someone pretending to be a Medicare representative will encourage you to share personal details so they can replace your card with a newer version. Medicare will never make a request like this. If you are concerned, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE.

2. 2

   You are told your Medicare benefits are canceling or have been canceled

   A scammer will get in touch and claim you are at risk of losing your Medicare coverage. They might leverage this threat to get personal information or money. They will use urgency to pressure you into responding.

3. 3

   Anything that leads to requesting your Social Security number

   Medicare and legitimate insurance agents will never request your Social Security number over the phone after calling you.

4. 4

   You are offered a rebate or refund for medical expenses

   Scammers may claim you are entitled to a refund, and to get access to the money you are owed they will ask you to confirm personal information and billing details. While you may be eligible for legitimate refunds, your carrier or healthcare provider will inform you directly. If someone you do not know contacts you unprompted about claims and refunds, it is almost always a scam.

5. 5

   You are offered free or discounted tests and equipment

   Some scams promise free or discounted equipment and services in exchange for your Medicare or credit card number. They may claim to be a representative of Medicare. Any offer of free products should be verified with your trusted professional or a direct Medicare representative.

6. 6

   You receive inaccurate or expensive medical bills

   Requesting an itemized bill for any healthcare services you receive can help you spot billing fraud and protect you from paying more than you need to.

7. 7

   Someone calls claiming to be from our office

   We have had clients call and tell us someone contacted them claiming to be from our office. They try to switch them to a different plan or get personal information. That has caused real headaches for clients who engaged in the conversation and had their plan switched. That is why we ask you to keep our phone number in your phone, so you know it is our office calling and can hang up on anyone else claiming to be us. You can also tell any caller that you have an agent you trust, hang up, and then call us to let us know what happened. We have your back.