Medicare Card Scam
In this type of scam, individuals contact beneficiaries claiming to represent Medicare, saying the beneficiary needs a new Medicare card. If this happens to you, just hang up.
How It Works
When the scammer calls a beneficiary, they may threaten with the loss of Medicare benefits if they don't comply. Beneficiaries are asked to provide their personal information, particularly their Medicare number and bank account number, sometimes even being offered gifts or money. In other examples, beneficiaries are told that they have to pay for this new Medicare card.
How to Prevent Medicare Card Scams
It is important to remember that:
- Medicare beneficiaries receive a Medicare number and card automatically upon enrollment
- Medicare cards do not expire
- Medicare will not call beneficiaries to offer a new card or request information in order to issue a new card
- Beneficiaries who lose their Medicare card can request a new one from the Social Security Administration
Reporting
Contact Iowa SMP if you have been approached or contacted by anyone you suspect to be a scammer at
1-800-351-4664 (TTY 1-800-735-2942)