Scammers have been on the prowl recently, impersonating Medicare. Theses scammers call and claim to be calling From Medicare. Have you received a suspicious call pretending o be Medicare? So many people have complained of receiving calls telling them. This post would explain in details everything you need to know about these Medicare Scam Call and what to do to protect yourself.
Have You Received a Medicare Scam Call? Here’s Why!
The Medicare Scam Call is a fraudulent phone call where scammers pretend to be representatives from Medicare or other health insurance authorities. They often times offer free services, or they claim your Medicare card is no longer valid, or you need to verify your identity, etc.
Here are some characteristics of this Medicare Scam Call
- Unsolicited calls, Scammers often call you unexpectedly, claiming to be from Medicare or a related organization.
- They might say you need a new Medicare card or that you are eligible for new benefits, and request your personal information to process these. Example of these calls include: “Hello, I’m calling from Medicare. You need a new Medicare card, but first, we need to verify your identity. Can you provide your Medicare number and Social Security number?”
- Promises of free medical supplies, equipment, or services in exchange for your Medicare information. It usually comes like this,, “You are eligible for a free health screening, but we need your Medicare information to schedule it. Can you give me your Medicare number?”
- They may ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself From Scams Like The Medicare Scam Call
- Never give out personal details over the phone unless you have initiated the call and are sure of the recipient.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Medicare directly using the official phone numbers on their website.
- Report the call to the FTC, Medicare, or local law enforcement.
- Hang up on them.
Avoiding phishing scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself from phishing attacks:
Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams:
- Be Skeptical of Unexpected Communications:
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, especially those asking for personal or financial information.
- Verify the Source:
- Always verify the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that look similar to legitimate ones.
- Look for Red Flags:
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors, generic greetings (e.g., “Dear Customer”), and urgent or threatening language.
- Don’t Click on Suspicious Links:
- Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the purported sender, don’t click it.
- Check the Website’s Security:
- When entering personal information online, ensure the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
- Avoid Downloading Attachments:
- Don’t open email attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. These could contain malware.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Enable factor Authentication on your accounts so as to add an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for scammers to gain access even if they have your password.
- Report Phishing Attempts:
- Report suspicious emails to your email provider and the organization being impersonated. In the U.S., you can forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected] and to the FTC at [email protected].
What Do You Do When You Suspect A Phishing Attempt
In this digital age and time, almost everyone has at one time received a phishing text or email and often times they fall victim and get scammed. This is why it is imperative that you are always careful when you receive any text or email because one careless click on a link can cause a whole lot of problems for you. Now if you suspect a phishing attempt, here is what I advise you do:
- Do Not Respond to the text, because you responding is actually giving access to the scammers, simply delete it when you receive.
- Quickly change your password if you have mistakenly clicked on the link or given away your login details. Change your password to a strong and unique password.
- Keep an eye on your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
- Also scan you devices for any malware.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing scams and keep your personal and financial information safe. You can also join online forums to discuss these types of scams, like this Reddit threat where other people who have received this suspicious calls are talking about it.
Conclusion
This internet age came with so many advantages and also disadvantages. Phishing is an example of one of such. Internet users should always apply caution and be wary. Scammers often use scare tactics or urgency to manipulate individuals into taking quick actions. It’s essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself.