Introduction
Medicare phone scams are an unfortunately common occurrence. A scammer may call and claim to represent Medicare, offering services or trying to obtain your personal information. If you’re not careful, you can easily be taken advantage of. In this article, we’ll discuss what constitutes a Medicare phone scam, as well as explore several ways to stop them from happening to you.
Definition of Medicare Phone Scams
Medicare phone scams occur when someone calls claiming they are from Medicare and attempts to solicit money or personal information. Often, they will try to sell you on certain products or services that are not actually part of Medicare or affiliated with it in any way. They may also ask for your credit card number or bank account information, which can then be used to steal your identity or commit fraud.
Overview of the Problem
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Medicare scams are on the rise. In 2018 alone, the FTC received over 100,000 complaints about Medicare-related scams. These scams cost Americans over $47 million, and the losses continue to mount year after year. It’s important to understand how to protect yourself from these scams so that you don’t become a victim.
How to Stop Medicare Phone Calls
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from Medicare phone scams. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
Block the Number
If you receive a call from an unknown number, it’s best to block it right away. You can easily do this on most phones by simply tapping the “block” button when the call comes in. This will prevent that number from calling you again.
Report Calls
If you receive a suspicious call, it’s important to report it. You can do this by visiting the FTC website and filing a complaint. The FTC uses this information to investigate potential scams and take action against those responsible.
Don’t Give Out Personal Info
It’s never a good idea to give out personal information over the phone. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information, hang up immediately. Chances are it’s a scammer trying to get access to your financial information.
Sign Up for Do Not Call List
You can also sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry, which is managed by the FTC. This registry allows you to register your phone number so that telemarketers and other unwanted callers cannot contact you. Simply visit their website and follow the instructions to add your number to the list.
Hang Up
If you ever receive a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it’s best to hang up immediately. Legitimate representatives from Medicare will never call you unsolicited and ask for personal information. So if you receive such a call, it’s likely a scammer trying to take advantage of you.
Conclusion
Medicare phone scams are on the rise and it’s important to know how to protect yourself. By following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure you don’t become a victim. Block any suspicious numbers, report suspicious calls, don’t give out personal information, sign up for the Do Not Call List, and always hang up if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare.
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