Medicare Open Enrollment Fraud
Open enrollment season is here. This season allows fraudsters to approach targets from an especially vulnerable angle. Healthcare is important to everyone, and scammers exploit it in many ways. Read on to learn about Medicare Open Enrollment scams and how to avoid them.
Scamming Methods
One tactic that swindlers use is to come after personal information by posing as official Medicare personnel or insurance agents. They contact individuals to convince them to upgrade their plans, or claim offers that don’t exist. In doing so, the victim is convinced to give up critical personal data. Being pressured for answers can signal that you are speaking with an imposter.
Another approach con artists use is to send fake mailers and set up bogus websites. Sometimes, these deceptive tools are so well put together that it can be difficult for a person to discern real from fake. Unfortunately, these can be fruitful for the scammer. Remember the old wise saying, “If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is.”
Sometimes, legitimate agents use their position to convince people to buy unneeded policies. This method is especially despicable because it involves a credited person taking advantage of a target rather than an imposter. These types of scams can be difficult to prove. Have someone you trust help you to understand what you are getting into.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Every day, innocent people are taken advantage of by fraudsters. Innocent people must become more vigilant to shield themselves and their loved ones from deceit. Here are some basic tips to put into practice for protecting yourself.
- Avoid unsolicited communications: Government agencies will not call or text you unexpectedly and ask for your personal information. If this occurs, you automatically know it is a fraudulent attempt to get your information.
- Be skeptical: Be sure of who you are speaking with about your sensitive information, especially if they contact you. Don’t always believe the caller ID. It can be spoofed. Scrutinize “special offers” and “claims.”
- Don’t be bullied: Frequently, targets are pressured into answering questions quickly and made to feel like decisions are urgent. This tactic can be very effective if the victim is not on guard.
- Pay attention: Many times, communications will come with misspellings and incorrect grammar because English is not the native language of the fraudster. Use this red flag to your advantage.
- Ask many questions: A possible sign of fraud is if the person you’re communicating with becomes defensive when questioned. Con artists want to move fast. Moving slowly and asking questions could help you avoid a pitfall.
- Check with the agency: If you are questioning someone claiming to be from a specific organization, end the conversation. Then, call the agency directly to find out if it was a scam attempt. Do not use the caller ID number or a phone number given to you by the caller.
- Ask a trusted source: It is okay to ask another trusted person for help or advice. Don’t be afraid to rely on others to help navigate a situation to avoid a land mine.
Taking Action
If you suspect fraud or have become a victim, step up to become part of the solution. Report the suspicious activity or the deception to the authorities. Tell your friends and family so they can become vigilantes for truth and justice. Fraud is devastating to its prey. Educating yourself and others is one of the most effective weapons citizens have to fight against it. Below is a list of places to report fraud.
- Fraud Free Florida
- The Florida Office of Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline (866) 966-7226
- Federal Trade Commission
- Your local authorities
- Office of Inspector General