Scams This Week 11/15/22

Open Enrollment Insurance Scams: Right now, you may be reviewing and comparing different cover options. If you or one of your loved ones are on Medicare, you’re probably aware that open enrollment ends on December 7. As you shop around, scammers may take advantage of this period to impersonate Medicare agents and try to steal your money, Medicare information, or your identity.

• Don't click on links: Scammers will use email, text messages, social media, etc. to offer deals/rates that are too good to be true. Clicking on a link can open victims up to identify theft.
• Don’t trust caller ID: Scammers can spoof the name that shows up on your phone.
• If anyone calls and asks for your Medicare, Social Security, or bank or credit card information: Hang up. Legitimate Medicare employees have your Medicare number on file.
• Don’t rush: Take a moment to verify who you’re talking to. You have until December 7 to enroll, and Medicare doesn’t offer extra benefits for signing up early.
• Ignore threats: If you qualify, your benefits can’t be taken away for not signing up for a plan.
• Don’t talk to anyone that suggests their plan is preferred by Medicare: The truth is that Medicare doesn’t endorse a specific plan.

To report someone pretending to be affiliated with Medicare and other Medicare scams, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) and tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.