Medicare scams are targeted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are you on a Medicare plan?

If yes, you need to be cautious.

A recent scam may be targeting you specifically.

No, really.

According to a recent Money Talks News article titled “Are You on Medicare? Beware Coronavirus Scammers,” there are people who are using COVID-19 to coerce people out of Medicare numbers and other personal information.

COVID-19 brings new angles to Medicare scams.

Yikes!

These Medicare scams come in several varieties.

Scammers are using social media posts, robocalls, emails, and even house calls to contact innocent seniors.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Do not give your personal information away to others.

Only give your Medicare information or personal details to your trusted health care provider.

If someone contacts you to get your Medicare information when you did not request medical services, do not provide an answer.

Be cautious of advertisements or offers for COVID-19-related testing.

If you see an advertisement on social media, do not click on the link.

Contact your health care provider if you need to schedule a COVID-19 test.

There have been reports of "phishing" emails sent under the pretense of being from the CDC.

There are all types of Medicare scams seeking your information.

Unfortunately, scammers are also selling counterfeit prevention and treatment materials like sanitizing products, masks, face shields, goggles, respirators, protective gloves or gowns.

What should you do if everything appears legit?

Check with authorities.

Call your Senior Medicare Patrol for advice.

This volunteer group is funded by the Department or Health and Human Services and consists of volunteers who can provide guidance on legitimate communications.

In these Medicare scams, your personal information can be used to commit medical identity theft or submit fraudulent bills to the health care program.

If this happens, you will likely have to pay for the charges from your own pocket.

What should you do if you suspect you have been targeted in a Medicare scam?

Report your suspicions.

You can call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or send an email to disaster@leo.gov.

Reference: Money Talks News (May 19, 2020) “Are You on Medicare? Beware Coronavirus Scammers”