There are many reasons as to why Medicare scams are so prevalent, some more obvious than others. The most obvious reason being that most Medicare beneficiaries are elderly and the elderly are targeted for scams more frequently due to their naive nature and failure to understand the capabilities of these malicious scammers. On top of it, the rise of automated online enrollment systems have made it easier for scammers to use technology to prey on their victims. Medicare continually warms beneficiaries to watch out scammers, more often than not the scammer will ask for a Medicare ID number to file a fake claim on the individual's account. It is estimated that Medicare scams and fraud account for billions of dollars from taxpayers money per year.
Popular Medicare Scams to Watch Out For:
1. Offers for Free Genetics Testing
DNA testing has become extremely popular over the years so it is to no surprise that scammers are trying to use this avenue to take advantage of unsuspecting seniors. The testing is often offered over the phone under the assumption that the caller is helping test the individual for hereditary diseases and provide them with the proper medication for such ailments.
2. Calls & Emails For Free Medical Equipment
Some scammers will portray themselves as Medicare representatives making unsolicited calls to beneficiaries offering free medical devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, braces, ect. These callers will often be extremely persistent and even ask the beneficiary to accept the "equipment" if no need is had simply because it is "free". The scammer will then proceed to ask for the individual's Medicare ID number which will grant them access to private information and records they can then take.
3. Other Service Solicitation
These types of scams are called "Medicare Call Scams". More often than not these scams come in the form of robocalls but not always. The robocaller or scammer will attempt to aquire personal information from the beneficiary for use with many different services. These callers will do their research to know a bit about the individual they are calling to make the call seem believable.
Conclusion
It is important to watch out for these three popular ways in which scammers will prey on Medicare members. Always remember that Medicare themselves will never reach out to beneficiaries via phone or email unless they are responding to an inquiry placed by the beneficiary. Medicare will also never offer free medical equipment or gifts in exchange for information. Never give out medical information to an unknown caller reaching out to you.
