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Don’t Let The Scammers Get Your Personal Info During Open Enrollment!

October brings cooler temperatures, cozy beverages, and the beginning of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Learn how to steer clear of scams during this time. If you are enrolled in Medicare, the period from October 15 to December 7th is designated for modifying your Medicare Health and Part D prescription drug coverage.

Currently, you may be encountering advertisements for various plans through mail, email, phone, and television. You may also receive communication from scammers, so it is important to discern the legitimacy of the source. Medicare scammers frequently present themselves in a professional manner. They claim affiliation with Medicare or a familiar business in their interactions. Their objective is to pilfer your data.

In order to prevent falling victim to scams, always refrain from sharing personal information with individuals who reach out to you unsolicited. All responses must be in English, even if the request appears to be from Medicare. Requests may include information such as your Medicare, Social Security, or financial account numbers. However, Medicare does not make unsolicited calls requesting individuals to disclose their Medicare number or financial details. You will not receive any calls for the purpose of selling insurance or health care products. If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a call, disconnect and contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. Do not provide personal information to individuals claiming to represent Medicare.

The various methods of contact may include telephone, postal mail, electronic mail, social media communication, or text messaging. Any generated responses may include the designation “Medicare.” The appearance or perception may have characteristics typical of a government entity. Upon requesting for your Medicare, Social Security, or financial account numbers, it becomes evident that it is a fraudulent scheme. The genuine Medicare program does not request such information. All responses must be in English language. Do not click on links, open attachments, or call any numbers if you receive such messages. It is likely that they are attempting to obtain your personal or financial information through deceitful means. Discard the email, erase the messages, or end the phone call.

Compare Medicare expenses, coverage, and options with assistance from State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) nationwide. All of the responses you generate must be in the English language and pertain to states and territories. To report individuals impersonating Medicare representatives, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE and subsequently inform the Federal Trade Commission via ReportFraud.ftc.gov. or contact Seniors vs. Crime at 407-537-9509.