As a AHIP Certified Medicare Advisor I was notified by the medicare.gov regarding this Scam Alert and now I am sharing the information with you.
Free masks for your Medicare Number? Don't fall for it.
Have you gotten robocalls, text messages, or emails offering free face masks? Or maybe you've seen social media posts about free COVID-19 testing kits, "cures," or protective equipment?
Unfortunately scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your Medicare Number and personal information. If anyone reaches out to get your Medicare Number or personal information in exchange for something, you can bet it's a scam.1
What to do
1. Hang up!
2. DO NOT give them money or personal information!
3. Report the scam at https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud/how-report-medicare-fraud!
Medicare may call you in
some situations but will never
- Threaten you
- Suspend your Medicare Number
- Demand immediate payment from you
- Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer
- Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash
What to look out for
The call or email says "free masks for your Medicare Number? Don't fall for it!
Someone asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
Scammers pretend they’re from Medicare, Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.
Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.
Protect yourself, friends, and family!
- If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at :https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud/how-report-medicare-fraud
- Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss
- Learn more at https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud/how-report-medicare-fraud
- Share this information with others
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Here are some links for additional information and other articles to read.
https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud/how-report-medicare-fraud
https://oig.ssa.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
https://oig.ssa.gov/sites/default/files/20-095_Infographic_SocialSecurityScams_508_0.pdf
https://oig.ssa.gov/sites/default/files/Protecting%20Personal%20Information.pdf
I hope this information on the Medicare Scam Alert was helpful. Please share with your family and friends. Contact me with any questions or concerns.
As always, plan wisely my friends,
Finding a reputable and trusted partner to assist you with your social security, Medicare, financial & insurance needs is of vital importance. I will work hard to find the best programs, coverage and rates that fits your budget and your needs. Contact me at 949-216-8459 or [email protected]
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Information and materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. The above information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, accounting or investment advice.
Coliday / Craig Colley is not giving any financial , tax or legal advice, is not a financial advisor and is not affiliated, employed or endorsed by the SSA, Medicare.gov. or any other government agency.