Results based on a 2022 mystery shopper consumer study conducted by ath Power Consulting. It may be hard to believe, but Medicare numbers are often more valuable to criminals than credit card numbers or even SSNs. No one can prevent all identity theft or monitor all transactions effectively. Do not send money to these fake credit card numbers. Scammers will have done their homework. Don't share personal or financial information with anyone who calls, emails, or texts saying they are from a government agency. Drug diversion will affect the standard of care you receive, possibly even denying you essential pain medication. } Theyll often use phone spoofing technology to manipulate your Caller ID into displaying that theyre calling from Medicare or a local phone number., If you answer the phone, heres what happens:, Even worse, criminals can use your information to steal your identity, target you with further scams, or drain your bank account through financial fraud.. Charges you a fee to turn your enrollment into a plan. It is important to hold people accountable and to prevent others from being subjected to the same scams. From free Medicare back brace to health insurance, this category hits too close to home. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too. Crooks will call, email, or text you and offer COVID-19 tests in exchange for your Medicare number. else if (languages === "Korean") { Impostors may claim you need to return it. Set up a secure online Medicare account instead to view your claims via the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov/myaccount/). Medicare unwanted and fake phone calls: how to identify and stop them The healthcare providers name, and other identifying details you may know. 3:59. A person who steals your Medicare number or card and uses it to submit fraudulent claims in your name. Loses Her Skirt - YouTube Some of the most popular versions reported to BBB Scam Tracker are below: If you receive a particularly convincing call from someone claiming to be an SSA employee, hang up and call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the issue. Pushes for a payment online or over the phone without sending you a bill. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare doesnt offer special treatment for people who pay extra. The latter includes regional codes for states and territories from across the country. A customer service representative from 1-800-MEDICARE can call you if youve called and left a message or a representative said that someone would call you back. The AARP estimates 60-million Americans will get this fake call, not to mention the other fake calls. Join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called us. ath Power Consulting was compensated by Aura to conduct this study. List of items or services youre skeptical about, and the supposed date you received it. Call your health care provider and talk to him or her about this scam. Report the Medicare scam call directly to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). And you cannot use these fake credit card numbers for illegal purposes. Save up to 50% on annual plans. , If scammers know that you have a specific health condition such as diabetes they might contact you with a scam call offering free medical supplies or even prescription drugs.. As compared to the competition. Is Medicare sending out new cards for 2022? Accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care. Guard your Medicare card like its a credit card. A customer service representative from 1-800-MEDICARE can call you if youve called and left a message (or received a letter informing you that someone will call you). A new email phishing scam is hitting inboxes , targeting myGov login and bank account details. Don't click links or open attachments in email and text messages, even if they seem to come from Medicare or a company you know. Summary: MyMedicare.gov is Medicare's free, secure, online service for managing personal information regarding Original Medicare benefits and services. You can easily find the information you need by using the Medicare number lookup provided in your social security account. // Your guide to navigating online safety with your kids is here. Theyll leave you alone, and you can go enjoy the rest of your night knowing you can delete that fake number whenever you want. What Can Someone Do With Your Medicare Number? fake medicare 8009865235 : r/ScamNumbers - reddit.com Youre asked for more information than youre comfortable giving out. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are numbers that represent the services a healthcare provider offers. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. What can you do to protect yourself from these fraud schemes? This is another scam that often originates from dishonest healthcare providers.. If anyone claiming to be from Medicare asks for payment, its a scam. SSA technicians are to verify that the beneficiary's mailing address is up-to-date. // Often, the bill will be issued by a medical provider or entity unknown to you., This scam is especially common during the Medicare Open Enrollment (MOE) period, which runs from October 15 to December 7.. For example, medical identity theft can cost you copayment, and cap out your benefits faster. Keep an Eye Out for These Medicare Scams - Verywell Health 60-day money back guarantee is only available for our annual plans purchased through our websites (excludes Amazon) or via our Customer Support team. Youll use your plans card to get services, not your Medicare card. How To Identify Medicare Scam Calls: Avoid These 7 Scams If you think your Medicare Number or Medicare Card has been stolen, alert Medicare at 1 (800)-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Actual employees will never call you without being invited to do so for example, if you left a message at Medicares customer service line (800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-312-751-4701. The bottom line? Fraudsters can put fake numbers on your caller ID, so its hard to trust Caller ID anymore. Report a scam or search for existing scams near you. Call a licensed agent at (800) 950-0608 today. Please refer to the actual policies for terms conditions and exclusions of coverage. It is calculated using the information contained in your Equifax credit file. BBBs Serving Acadiana, Central Georgia, Northern Alabama,Central & Eastern Kentucky and Central Ohio contributed to this article. They may be able to help you understand the charges, or figure out if they made a billing error. Youll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy } How to Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams Guard your personal information and contact Medicare if you have any questions or concerns. It's always a good idea to check any above number (s) on a carrier lookup tool ( click here for a toll-free lookup tool) before calling them to avoid calling a legitimate business, residential number, or private cell number. //-->