What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?
Answered by 26 licensed agents
Protect your information as there are many scams out there today, unfortunately. Verify Brokers/Agents licensing on the particular state those agents/brokers are in
Get help from a licensed agent and broker with time in grade, experience. You can ask people who have already gone on Medicare who they used or use Agents Hub to find us. I’m at www.medicareinsurance4all.com and in 13 states.
Deal with a qualified and verified agent like Medicare Hub agents. Remind clients that at age 65 many companies will be trying to earn their business. Be careful.
Be careful when fielding phone calls from individuals trying to gather sensitive information form you such as your Medicare Number and Social Security number.
Be careful with who you are giving all your information to over the phone. If you did not ask for a call be careful about giving all your information to a stranger.
As a senior myself, I frankly don't answer my phone if it's an unrecognizable phone number since Medicare scams are more rampant on a phone call, along with the Internet. Remember that your bank will NEVER call you on the phone if you are ever scammed since they reach out to you via an email. Moreover, I'll also use my face as a means for ensuring that I am entering my commonly used websites perfectly. It's this double-verification process that will work every time. All you need to do is: A) using your phone's camera, shoot the online barcode to set up the process, B) hit the word “continue” and it automatically knows that it is you! Ergo: a new 2-step verification process and no scam!!
I am very biased!!, if my clients receive a letter or a phone call that seems sketchy at all I strongly encourage them to call me, text me, or take a picture of the letter that they received and send it to me. If seniors don’t want to reach out to an agent, Then they should keep in mind that they can always contact Medicare or Social Security to verify any request for info.
You can stop a lot of scams by knowing one simple rule. Medicare and Social Security will never call you. They will send you letters on official letterhead. If you receive a phone call from someone asking you about your Medicare or Social Security benefits it is either a scam or someone trying to sell you something. Insurance brokers like myself are held to a very high standard and have very strict rules that govern when we can speak to a beneficiary about their benefits. Sales agency do not follow these rules have no business working in this industry. We are here to help, but you need to reach out to us if you want that help. Never give out your Medicare number or Social Security number over the phone to someone who called you. They may just be fishing for information. If you need help with your insurance or Social Security benefits, reach out directly to a licensed agent, call Medicare directly or call a Social Security advisor at your local social security office.
Unfortunately these scams are prevalent and getting worse! Its advisable to be very careful when a person or phone # calls you that you are not familiar with. Be cautious and NEVER give them any of your personal information. I recommend calling your Agent/Broker or calling the Insurance Company directly from the # that you have, not one they give you. Your Agent can help you and/or clarify information.
One BIG scam is commercials or calls offering more benefits than you qualify for because you are not receiving aid, but they do not care nor explain this.
Most all Medicare-related scams are done through Email or Telephonically. If you receive a phone call or email from an unknown source and they state they are from Medicare, either stating new benefits you are eligible for or trying to discuss your current plan, ignore the calls or emails, do not respond to the emails or call back any numbers. Medicare will always reach out directly via mail if there is any issue with your Traditional Medicare. Unless the prospective Medicare client fills out a business reply card, requesting a broker or agent contact them, then any form of unsolicited contact with a Medicare Enrollee is deemed strictly illegal by the Center of Medicare Services. Never give out personal information like your Medicare ID or Medicare Plan ID Number unless you know this information will be given to a trusted source. While you may enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans Online, it is always highly suggested you speak with a licensed medicare agent or broker first.
I would suggest getting to know an authorized and licensed independent agent that you can call or text any time you need information or have a question.
The best way to protect yourself from Medicare related scams is a lot more simple than it seems. All you have to do is work closely with an in person Medicare broker that works in best interest. Once you have that anytime you get mail or calls or texts or anything related to Medicare you call or text him/her. Relationships with trustworthy people are how you avoid scams in the modern era.
First and foremost, don't answer your phone for ANY phone number you don't know or have stored in your contacts. I realize it could be a doctor's office but they will leave a message with a call back number. When you answer your phone, it tells the scammers they have a good number and they will continue to "work" it with more and different scams.
Find a local agent and meet face to face if you can. Seniors get bombarded with phone calls and there is sinply no way to know who's calling you. Never give out your personal information to unknown people calling you. There is no downside to talking to a local agent/broker and there are many upsides. It doesn't cost you anything and they will know your market better than someone calling from another state or country.
Have a trusted Medicare professional to call or go to the www.medicare.gov website to look up info. If you get an unsolicited call from someone wanting to talk to you about Medicare plans, ask them for their name and state ins License number. Since this is not allowed under Medicare rules, they will probably hang up real fast. The penalty for not having permission to call you could result in them losing their license.
The BEST way to protect yourself from Medicare Related scams in my opinion is to find a personal BROKER/AGENT to work with. Because unfortunately, these companies and call centers will continue to call and it really is often enticing and will have you questioning if you're truly getting all the best your plan or Medicare has to offer. I have found that my clients have a sense of peace in knowing that even IF it sounds good, that they have someone who can verify their benefits, whats available to them and if what they've been told is even legit. DO NOT get caught up in all the "potential benefits". It's typically just a plight to change your plan for them to receive a commission and you'll never hear from them again. Find a TRUSTED broker/agent that will call you before you call them throughout the year!
I advise all my clients to let the person know that you have an agent. You can also ask for the National Producer Number and if they ask what it is hang up cause it is likely to be a scam.
Work with a Independent Broker that represents multiple carriers that you trust. Don't give anyone else your information such as DOB, Medicare number, etc.
The best way for a senior to protect themselves from scams is to keep their personal information private. Do not enter online or tell anyone your Medicare number or any other personal information to anyone that you do not know and trust.
