Another horrible PHONE SCAM is being reported by senior citizens of La Porte County where the caller pretends to be with Medicare or the Social Security Administration.
In others, they say they’re with an official-sounding but nonexistent organization such as the National Medical Office. Or they may claim to be calling from a medical equipment company.
Whatever their alleged affiliation, their bogus story is the same: They tell you that they need to issue you a new Medicare card or update your information but in order to get it, you must first authenticate your identity by providing personal information such as your Medicare number (which is your Social Security number), your birth date, or your credit card and bank account numbers.
This attempt by scammers is to exploit confusion over Medicare or the associated benefits.
Of course, it’s a lie!
When people refuse to provide the requested information, a phony supervisor comes on the line to say (In a threatening manner) that the information must be provided to remain enrolled in the Medicare program. This is where they use fear as an opportunity to get to seniors to give information freely over the phone.
HANG UP THE PHONE!
Don’t be afraid to hang up and do not encourage these people by trying to debate or “clear up” any misunderstandings.