What's a red flag in a phone call that it might be a Medicare scam targeting my personal info?
Answered by 7 licensed agents
Answered by Michael Andrews on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in CT
If you feel comfortable enough, agree to do a Face to Face at a "safe space" - even a Starbucks! I personally will come to your home where you are most comfortable! You can also see if they will do a Zoom Call with you, but you'll want to be careful there as well. Try to stay in State and local if you have fears of trust of the person. This should be a person you rely on and trust more than your Homeowners and Auto agent!
Listen for them telling you their services are "free" and they just need to get your Medicare # for assisting you. If they seem secretive in revealing any history of their company or themselves, that is also a red flag. Can they tell you where they are located or calling from? How long have they been working with Seniors in your state and locale? Can they provide any reference letters that you could follow up on? Are they rated with AM Best, which is similar to the BBB for private industry? Ask them to send some information that you can then follow up on, and give them a call back.
In truth, there are many good companies out there, so if you do not feel comfortable with someone, let them go, and have no worries about it!
Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & PA
Answered by Michael Pyers on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH & MI
Scammers may:
1) pressure you to act right away
2) claim there are new or better benefits available then ask for your Medicare number
3) promise free or discounted services in exchange for your info
4) offer large refunds or rebates
I make it a point to tell my clients to be cautious when answering the phone, and if they do get a call about new benefits, they need to tell the caller, "I need to speak to my broker and confirm with them". Most of the time, the caller will either hang up or pressure them more but they call me and I can review what they were being told. Most of the time I have found the information they were given was inaccurate.
Answered by Diana Garner on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by Rene Casanova on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Lavina Woart on April 8, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, DE, IA, NJ & PA
Answered by Debra Weber on April 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 5 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors
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