The recent uptick in the number of phone calls people are receiving from so-called Medicare providers is a scam.  I have received seven of the calls in the past two weeks.

            If you have caller ID, it may show a legitimate-looking phone number. Don't be fooled. Scammers can spoof (or fake) their number to make it look like the call is coming from a government agency or other known organization. Also, don't be surprised if the caller has some basic information about you. With the internet, those details are easy to find today. If someone unfamiliar calls asking you for personal details, simply hang up.

            Senior citizens are primary targets and everyone needs to be aware and avoid the consequences of sharing information.

            According to the National Council on Aging, one or more criminals pretend to be from Medicare or another known organization. Their goal is to trick beneficiaries into sharing their Medicare or Social Security number (or in some cases, making a payment). Most often, scammers use this information to commit identity theft. They submit bogus Medicare claims in the beneficiary's name to obtain health care services, supplies, or even prescription drugs.

            Some of the warning signs are: Free medical equipment, prescriptions, genetic tests, or screenings in exchange for your Medicare number; pressure to switch plans; claims that you're pre-approved for a better plan or must pay a fee to enroll; requests to update your Medicare card; calls saying you must activate, renew, or upgrade your card by providing personal information or paying a fee (all seven of my calls were for this one – and I am not even on Medicare); threats to cancel your coverage; warnings that you'll lose your benefits unless you verify information or change plans immediately; claims that you're owed a refund; and requests for your Medicare number or banking information so you can supposedly receive money.

            Never share your Medicare number or personal information with people who contact you.

            Medicare will rarely call you, and they will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home.  They may call you in limited situations, such as returning a call or following up on a request you made. But Medicare will not call out of the blue to sell you something, threaten to cancel your benefits, or ask for your Medicare number or other personal information. If you're unsure about a phone call, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

            The open enrollment period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) is coming soon and these types of scams will increase.  Stay aware and informed.

            If you are the victim of one of these scams, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), or contact the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center by calling 1-877-808-2468, or use their online contact form at smpresource.org/Contact/Default.aspx, or submit a report online to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=NCOA.

            Tell your senior friends and family and help them avoid the scam.