SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – You may get a call from the “police” saying your grandchild is in jail and needs a certain amount of money to be released. Or a call from “Microsoft” telling you that your computer has a virus and they need remote access to it so they can fix it.
Or you are contacted by your “bank” saying there was an issue with your account and they want to help you resolve it, but first, they need your account number.
Do any of these sound familiar? Scam artists make a living taking advantage of people, so they prey on those they feel might be more vulnerable.
Unfortunately and sadly, they view older adults as prime targets – so don’t let them get away with it!
The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging reports that current estimates indicate older Americans lose $2.9 billion each year to financial scams.
The National Council on Aging recently published an article that provided four tips to stop scammers:
1. Hang up on government impostors
It starts with a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, or Social Security, or Medicare. Maybe the telephone number even matches the toll-free number for these agencies, or comes from a Washington, DC area code (202).
2. Don’t accept offers of “free” medical equipment or tests
Medicare covers a range of preventive services and durable medical equipment (DME) at no/low cost to beneficiaries. But it’s important to remember that there are rules for receiving these services, and you should only accept them from trusted providers. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department for Health & Human Services reports that advertisement of free orthotics continues to be a popular scam targeting people with Medicare.
3. Check your Medicare Summary Notice
Relatedly, your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is a critical tool in combatting scams. The MSN is a notice that Medicare sends to beneficiaries every three months that explains what services and providers billed Medicare on your behalf, what Medicare paid them, and any amount you might owe. (If you don’t receive any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period you won’t get an MSN then.)
Be sure to check your MSN regularly to identify any suspicious activity, such as a bill for equipment you didn’t receive or from an unfamiliar provider. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE or your Senior Medicare Patrol if you do spot something awry.
4. Protect your identity
Anyone can become the victim of a data breach or hacking, even if you safeguard your personal information. Once scammers have your sensitive information, they can use it to open new lines of credit, file fake tax returns, and more. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself, from freezing your credit to setting up alerts and monitoring your accounts.
The Office of Older Americans at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published the guide Protect Your Identity: What Older Adults Should Know which includes helpful tips and can be downloaded or ordered from their site.
The direct web link is https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_identity_protection_guide.pdf
Some additional tips from the CFPB to prevent scams and fraud include:
Don’t share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards, or
Social Security.
Never pay up front for a promised prize. It’s a scam if you are told that you must pay fees or taxes to receive a prize or other financial windfall.
After hearing a sales pitch, take time to compare prices. Ask for information in writing and read it carefully.
Too good to be true? Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a “great deal. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Watch out for deals that are only “good today” and that pressure you to act quickly.
Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics that don’t allow you time to read a contract or get legal advice before signing.
Also, don’t fall for the sales pitch that says you need to pay immediately, for example by wiring the money or sending it by courier.
Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Go to www.donotcall.gov
or call (888) 382-1222.
Scam Graphic credit: University of Illinois Extension.
