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Seniors Drowning in Medicare Scam Calls
5 Dec
Summary
- Seniors receive dozens of Medicare scam calls daily.
- Scammers target elderly with fake Medicare Advantage plans.
- Fraudulent billing for services and supplies costs thousands.
Elderly individuals are facing an onslaught of unsolicited calls offering bogus Medicare Advantage plans. These scams, which escalate during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, bombard seniors with up to 60 calls daily. Scammers frequently impersonate Medicare representatives, aiming to acquire personal information for identity theft or to bill Medicare for fictitious services and products.
The consequences of these fraudulent activities extend beyond mere annoyance. Victims have reported being billed thousands of dollars for unordered medical supplies and tests. This not only results in financial loss but can also corrupt their medical records, potentially impacting their ability to receive necessary care. Even those who believe they haven't divulged information can find their accounts compromised.
Experts suggest that scammers obtain personal data from data leaks and then use it to lend credibility to their calls. The Medicare program itself rarely initiates unsolicited contact, typically sending official communications via mail. The increasing prevalence of these scams highlights a significant concern for senior citizens' financial security and healthcare access.
