Seniors urged to be alert for Medicare fraud

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – With the Medicare Open Enrollment period underway, officials are reminding seniors to be alert to possible scammers.

“Open enrollment is a prime time of year for scammers who want to defraud you and the system,” said Nancy Stone, Director of the Indiana Senior Medicare Patrol.

One example of fraud could be someone claiming to be a “Medicare representative” calling or knocking on a senior’s door. These people may offer new Medicare cards, insurance or refunds.

Medicare, however, does not make unsolicited calls or visits.

According to Stone, one of the easiest ways to spot a scam is if a senior is asked for either his or her bank account or Medicare number.

“You should guard your Medicare information as closely as you guard your Social Security Number and other sensitive documents,” Stone said.

Seniors who think they may have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to call the Senior Medicare Patrol at (800) 986-3505.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7.