Medicare Open Enrollment Is Open Season for Scammers

The Medicare open enrollment period is open season for scammers, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC said scams increase exponentially during open enrollment that runs through Dec. 7 of this year.

“When comparing your coverage options, keep an eye out for scammers — they know about open enrollment, too,” Kira Crown, FTC consumer education specialist, said in a consumer alert posted on the site FTC Web.

Different Types of Medicare Scams

Scammers pretending to be from Medicare may contact you and tell you they need access to your Medicare plan, bank account or credit card numbers for a “new” Medicare card.

Scammers may also say they need confirmation of your Medicare number for “a medical equipment claim” that you didn’t make.

A scammer may also try to sell you “additional coverage.” They may charge you a membership fee, “enroll” you in a new plan, and ask for your personal information as well as that of your family and friends.

Access to any of this information gives fraudsters the ability to file false claims under multiple Medicare numbers.

Tips to avoid getting scammed

Do not disclose personal information to anyone who makes contact unexpectedly and claims to be from Medicare. Medicare does not cold call account members.

Remember, Medicare will never randomly contact you to ask for your personal information, including your Social Security number or bank account numbers.

Do not pay someone who calls you to collect payment from your Medicare card. Medicare automatically sends your card to your home address when you sign up.

Don’t rely on the accuracy of caller ID. Your caller ID could appear as a spoofed Medicare number. It’s best to call your Medicare provider to check.

Trust yourself: if it seems fake, it probably is. Always double check by calling your Medicare provider to confirm any plan changes.

For more tips on avoiding scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.