Medicare recipients are always at risk of fraudsters trying to steal their identity and commit Medicare fraud. Elders are more susceptible to being conned by a scam artist, and, therefore, they are targeted by scams more often than not. The most recent widespread scam attempt is perhaps one of the most reprehensible, though: promising elders COVID-19 cures, treatments, testing kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in exchange for Medicare numbers and other personal information.
Please remember the following about Medicare and Medicare fraud attempts:
- Medicare will never ask you for your Medicare number and other personal information since the organization already has that information on file. The rare exception is if you gave them express permission in advance to inquire about that information.
- Medicare will never call you to try to make a sale for any sort of additional coverage, service, or deal, such as giving you COVID-19-related care and safety products.
- Medicare does not use over-the-phone communications to enroll new recipients unless you called the organization first and requested a callback from an enrollment staff member.
- Medicare will never send a representative to your home, even if you specifically request it.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you suspect you have been targeted by Medicare fraud – such as being offered coronavirus aid if you provide your Medicare number – and live in West Virginia, call (304) 713-2014 and connect with Katz Kantor Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC and our elder abuse attorneys and consumer protection lawyers. We can help you determine if you have a case to bring against the COVID-19 scam artists or if there are any forming class actions against the fraudsters that you can join and help strengthen.