With the COVID-19 pandemic apparently here with us for the foreseeable future, it is important to remember that scammers will take advantage of any situation to reach their objectives.
And, as we have seen many times in the past, the largest target audience for these scammers is our senior population.
A recent alert issued by Medicare warns seniors that scammers have stepped up their efforts to obtain your Medicare number and other personal information to gain access to your finances. These latest scams are using several methods.
One of these methods uses robocalls to offer respiratory masks. Seniors, thinking the masks could be helpful during the pandemic, respond to the offer. Unfortunately, the masks are never sent. Instead, it is simply an attempt to gain access to your Medicare information.
Additionally, you may receive calls from people offering testing kits, cures, protective equipment and even immunity pills. None of these things exist. Do not respond to any of these offers.
There has also been a serious increase in social media posts seeking help for charities. While many of these are legitimate, as charities are helping people across the country, some of the posts making these requests are for charities that do not really exist. IF you choose to donate during these times, make sure the charity is legitimate.
Calls and posts suggesting they can help you get stimulus funds are also becoming common. Never respond to unsolicited calls offering to get stimulus funds into your bank account. They are actually trying to get information to take money out of your account.
It is always important for us to be cautious and protect ourselves from scammers. Sadly, during this time of national crisis, it has become even more important. For more information about how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, click here.