Medicare & Prescription Scams ::: Tips to Avoid Being Scammed



	Tips to Avoid a Scam: 1. The Golden Rule When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Keep Personal Info Private Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust. 3. Avoid High Pressure Sales Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now. 4. Never Pay for a Prize If you are offered a prize but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,”it is likely a scam. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to win a free prize. If you’re still not sure whether it's a scam, call our Scam Hotline at (858) 715-1648.				Scam Menu: Medicare & Prescription Scams Tips to Avoid Being Scammed In 2006, Medicare began offering coverage for prescription drugs, which provided seniors a means to save money on their prescription drugs. Unfortunately, it also provided scam artists another opportunity to exploit seniors. The problem stems from confusing information, fraudulent sales practices, the ease of enrolling seniors without their knowledge and enticing sales commissions offered by insurance companies. The cumulative effect of these circumstances means that the senior might not only lose money, but they may also find themselves victims of identity theft. For seniors who wish to take advantage of the money-saving Medicare discount drug card program, yet are concerned with protecting themselves from fraud, the National Consumers League offer these tips: -Check the list of Medicare approved prescription drug plans. This list is available at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). -Be wary of those requiring payment of a membership fee. The Medicare prescription drug benefits supplement your other Medicare benefits—they are voluntary and free. If someone states that you must join, or risk losing your other Medicare benefits, it is a scam. -Guard your personal information from identity thieves posing as sales people. Your social security number is required ONLY upon actual enrollment in the plan. Credit card or bank account information is necessary ONLY if you are setting up automatic payments for drug coverage. -Do not provide bank account, credit card or life insurance policy information to any one claiming to be calling from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This information will never be requested by a legitimate SSA employee. The only time the SSA will request your Social Security number is if you applied for low-income assistance and the number on the application was incorrect. -Watch for telemarketers and other solicitors. It is illegal for companies marketing Medicare drug plans to contact you through unsolicited e-mails, or to knock on your door uninvited. In addition, telemarketers must follow strict guidelines such as calling only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; as well as not contacting people on the “do not call” registry. For more information about telemarketing regulations, or to place your phone number on the federal “do not call” registry, visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. -Beware of “Prize Winning Plans.” While companies may offer small prizes to promote their plan, it is illegal for these companies to require enrollment in the plan in order to qualify for a prize or gift. -Be cautious of sales materials that appear to be from the government. Scam artists often try to impress consumers with official looking sales materials; especially materials that appear to be issued by the government. However, Medicare prescription drug plans are offered by private companies. Therefore it is wise to be skeptical of promotional materials claiming to be issued by the government. -Do not confuse Medicare prescription drug plans with other types of drug coverage. Medicare prescription drug plans must be approved by Medicare. Approved plans will have a seal located on the written material with “Medicare Rx” in large letters and “Prescription Drug Cover” beneath it in small letters. If you are unsure, contact Medicare to confirm the plan you are considering has been approved. -Report suspected Medicare prescription drug plan scams. You can contact the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services by phone at 1-800-447-8477 (TTY1-800-337-4950) or report Medicare related fraud by e-mail at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov. You can also write to the Inspector General at Health and Human Services, Attn: Hotline; 330 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20207. Scam Menu: