Alabamians warned to beware of Medicare scams

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Medicare open enrollment is now underway, meaning more than 67 million people can explore their insurance options, and experts warn that fraudsters could try to take advantage.

According to AARP, people could receive a call, text or email, or even have someone show up at their door asking for personal information.

Scammers are likely to pose as Medicare agents or insurance providers.

According to AARP, all sorts of scams proliferate this time of year, often involving free gifts or unrealistic offers.

The scammers might even claim that Medicare is issuing new cards and needs information.

The criminals are after people’s social security numbers, banking information and Medicare numbers.

WBRC asked how a Medicare number can be used to exploit people, and an AARP Alabama spokesperson said fraudsters can commit Medicare fraud and set up fake companies to make a profit.

“This happens a lot,” Jamie Harding said. “We’ve heard of people who, for example, keep getting sent boxes of COVID tests that they never ordered or other medical equipment that they never ordered that are then shipped to them and billed through their health insurance because “Somebody got their hands on it.” Medicare number and they’re making money from it.”

Additionally, AARP reminds the public not to give out their Social Security number.

In fact, they even advise against reporting it on medical forms.

Open enrollment for Medicare ends December 7th.

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