Seniors are especially vulnerable to scam artists and there are many fraudsters who operate under the guise of Medicare as a result. Here are some tips from your elder law attorney in New Jersey to help identify scams and keep seniors safe.
- New cards: One of the most common Medicare scams is an identity theft scam that involves fake employees contacting seniors by phone, email or in person and informing them that Medicare is issuing new cards. Seniors then hand over details including Medicare numbers, birth dates and even financial account numbers to get their new card. To avoid this scam, remember that Medicare employees won’t contact you through unsolicited calls, emails or visits, and that they will never ask for identifying information unless you have contacted them directly. For enhanced cyber protection, an IT specialist company like Network Security Group in Fairfield NJ can recommend an anti-virus software that will also work to block users that illicit cyber scams.
- Free offers: These scams start off with an unsolicited phone call or email offering a free medical check-up or free medical supplies and may even know details of your medical condition. They will invite the person to another location where they will ask for personal identification information and even credit card information that will be used to commit fraud. The best course of action is to ignore offers that seem too good to be true, never give out personal identification or credit card information, and stick with healthcare providers you know and trust.
- Refund scams: Here, a scammer will claim that you are entitled to a refund due to changes in Medicare costs, changes in private insurance, or even as a result of a lawsuit. They will then ask for personal identifying information and back account details to use for fraudulent purposes. It’s best to remember that if you are entitled to any genuine refunds, these will come into your bank account automatically and you will never have to give your personal and financial information to another representative as Medicare will already have you on file.
The most important thing to remember is that if you are unsure if someone is a genuine Medicare representative or not, contact Medicare directly at 877-486-2048 and confirm their identity first. Making these checks will never get you in trouble with Medicare, and they are happy for you to take the extra steps to prevent falling victim to fraud.
Speak to a Leading Elder Law Attorney in NJ Today for Compassionate Advice
If you would like assistance in understanding and accessing your Medicaid and Medicare benefits, speak to Frank R. Campisano today. Experienced in elder law, compassionate and committed to his clients, you’ll receive the highest quality legal expertise and guidance that will help you secure better care. In addition, you can also prepare additional estate planning documents, such as your Last Will and Testament, Healthcare Proxy, Power of Attorney documents and trusts. For more compassionate legal guidance and a free consultation, please contact us or visit our website at https://www.scclegal.com/