Rutherford County, TN – It’s that time of year again when scammers pose as Medicare “representatives” to offer “helpful” enrollment guidance to unsuspecting seniors. These types of scenarios occur when Medicare open enrollment arrives, and with it, a flurry of scam calls, phishing attempts, and impersonation schemes targeting older adults. Because nothing says “service” like a scammer calling with fake offers to “update” your Medicare information.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Age Well Middle Tennessee, has issued a friendly reminder to seniors to hang up when one of these so called “helpful” strangers call to ask for personal information. You see, it’s common for these callers to ask for your Medicare number or even a credit card number to “sign you up.” But here’s a little secret: real Medicare representatives won’t call you to sign up. In fact, they won’t call you for anything at all. So, if your “Medicare representative” is asking for your wallet, that’s a cue to put down the phone—quickly.
Here’s a rundown of the latest tricks these scammers are using to win your trust, steal your info, and possibly drain your bank account faster than you can say “open enrollment”:
- The Friendly Medicare Call: Scammers posing as Medicare agents may call, offering to “confirm” your billing details or “update” your Medicare ID. Spoiler alert: Medicare will never do this. Hang up immediately, as Medicare has better things to do than update your ID over the phone.
- Part D Drama: Some scammers will tell you that Part D prescription drug coverage is mandatory. Well, it isn’t. They’re banking on confusion to get you signed up—and lighten your wallet.
- Threats and Cancellations: A scammer might even try scare tactics, saying they’ll cancel your health benefits unless you share personal information. Just remember, Medicare doesn’t take orders from scam callers.
In case you need a refresher on avoiding scams, here’s a tip: Never hand over your personal information to anyone who calls you out of the blue—even if the caller ID reads “Medicare.” Scammers have nifty tools to spoof caller IDs, making it look like they’re calling from a trusted source. Instead, hang up and call the real Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
During Medicare enrollment, be alert, skeptical, and always ready to hang up. While Medicare open enrollment might mean new options, there’s one choice that never changes: scammers aren’t here to help.
MORE: Medicare open enrollment for 2025 coverage began on October 15th and ends on December 7th. The best place for information is online at Medicare.gov, calling Medicare at 1-800-Medicare, or SHIP (TN State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-877-801-0044. SHIP offers free and unbiased Medicare information and counseling. For more information about SHIP, please visit https://www.tn.gov/.../disability-aging.../tn-ship.html.
- To read about more scams that have impacted out area in recent weeks, months and years, CLICK HERE.
Resources: Medicare.gov and fcc.gov
