Fraud Watch Network Alert: As New Medicare Cards Roll Out, So Do Scammers

A law passed in 2015 requires Medicare to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards. Beneficiaries will begin to receive their new cards in May, and the rollout will continue into 2019. This is a good move, since Social Security numbers are the key to identity theft, and having them displayed on Medicare cards has long presented risk. Unfortunately, scammers have come up with ways to take advantage of this change.

How It Works:

• Scammers claiming to be from Medicare call and ask you to verify your Social Security number in order to receive your new card.
• Scammers call to collect a “processing fee” in order for you to receive your new Medicare card.

 

What You Should Know:

•  Medicare will NEVER ask beneficiaries to confirm their Social Security number or ask for money in order to receive the new Medicare card.

 

What You Should Do:

• If you receive a call like this, hang up and report it to Medicare at 1-800-633-4427.
• If your address has changed, you’ll need to report it in order to receive your new card. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

 

UPCOMING AARP OK FRAUD WATCH NETWORK EVENTS

• The AARP Fraud Watch Network invites you to FREE Senior Fraud Conferences hosted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department across the state through May 1, 2018. The conferences are from 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. A complimentary breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Sign up today to learn how to protect yourself, friends and families from frauds and scams.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018             

OKLAHOMA CITY – Hosted by AARP OK and OK Attorney General’s Office

9 AM – 2 PM

Oklahoma Office of Attorney General- 313 NE 21st St, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

P re-register at 1-877-926-8300 or https://aarp.cvent.com/StopScamsOKCAGOffice2018 and you will be entered to win a personal, micro-cut shredder.

 

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office by visiting  www.ok.gov/oag or calling 1-405-521-3921 or 1-918-581-2885. When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourselves and your loved ones from scams. Please share this with friends and family!