Seniors Targeted By Medicaid Scam

A Medicare scam has been recently been reported in South Carolina.

Seniors have been contacted from callers stating that the senior will be receiving a new card in January and they need to verify their social security card and bank account number. Many of these calls are origination from one phone number 409-579-1214.  

A variation of this scam involves a scammer telling the consumer they qualify for free medical supplies and they need the Medicare card number for insurance information and/or other personal identifying information. 

 Similar accounts have been reported in New Jersey, Arizona, Maryland, Louisiana and other states across the country. The callers may have limited information about the person that's easily obtained from public databases to make the call seem legitimate.

“The majority of the Medicare related scams involve some form of identity theft”, said Vee Daniel, BBB President and CEO. “Personal information should never be given to unknown callers who request it.”

Medicare and Medicaid will not call to update information or issue a new card. Those who receive such calls should hang up and report them to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov or call 1-800-447-8477.

BBB advises seniors to:

Be suspicious of any door-to-door or telephone solicitations claiming to be affiliated with Medicare.

Be wary of anyone offering you something for “free” in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember, Medicare will not pay for medical equipment without a physician’s signature certifying that it is necessary.

Do not provide your bank account information, Medicare number, social security number or any other personal information to unknown individuals over the phone; particularly telephone marketers claiming to be from Medicare and asking for payment.

Review medical bills, Medicare Summary notices and insurance Explanation of Benefits for medical equipment or service charges that you did not incur. If you find unusual or questionable medical charges, contact your health care provider immediately.

Only give your insurance/Medicare information to those who have provided you with medical services.

Never sign blank Medicare insurance forms.

Call BBB at (864) 242-5052 to check out suspicious calls or offers.