By Erin Smith
The North Carolina Department of Insurance reports a scam is occurring targeting people who are receiving their new Medicare cards. The new cards which are slated to be mailed to recipients in April contain a new identification number for the recipient which replaces the individual’s Social Security number.
The new card requires no action from the user and is designed to reduce the risk of identity theft. All the card recipient has to do once they receive their new Medicare card is to simply present the card at the time of service.
The Department of Insurance reports scammers are already contacting Medicare recipients and posing as Medicare personnel. The scammer will ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account information. They will also try to get the victim to pay for a new card or threaten to cancel the victim’s Medicare benefits unless they give the caller money. None of those scams are legitimate.
Mike Causey, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner, says do not give the caller any personal information over the telephone. Instead, hang up and contact your local police department.
For more information, call the Department’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 855-408-1212.
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