WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Medicare phone scams and the Watertown Police Department has issued a public service announcement regarding scam calls.
If you get a call from someone saying you have a new Medicare card and is asking for information about you, do not answer as it is most likely a scam call.
The Watertown Police Department says Medicare scam calls occur when criminals call you pretending to be from Medicare or a legitimate healthcare insurance provider. These calls are now becoming more sophisticated, meaning it is getting harder to detect if it’s real.
Here’s some Medicare scam calls to avoid:
- Medicare is issuing new cards
- Your Medicare coverage is about to be cancelled
- You can receive early access to special vaccines
- You have an appointment for free genetic testing
- You qualify for free medical supplies
- You’re eligible for a refund
- You’re preapproved for a cheaper or better plan
A good rule of thumb is if you get a direct call from “Medicare,” it is always a scam. Unless you called Medicare directly and requested help with something, they will not call you.
If you get an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it is a scam, and you should hang up.
