If you are adding or changing your Medicare or Healthcare.gov coverage during open enrollment, watch out for unsolicited calls claiming to “help” you find the best deal. Unfortunately, scammers see this open enrollment period as a chance to trick people out of money and personal information.
How the Scam Works
BBB Scam Tracker frequently receives reports of scam calls and texts pretending to be from Medicare. In one report, the target reported that a caller pretended to be an agent “asking if I got a new updated Medicare card in the mail. He then verified my name and mailing address. Then he wanted me to get my old card and read off info to him, such as the date on the lower right side of the card. When he asked me to read my card number, I told him I cannot.”
If you stay on the line, these callers allege they can enroll you in a better plan than what you currently have, according to Scam Tracker reports. This new plan is cheaper and you can keep all the same services. To get started, all you need to do is provide some personal information, such as your Medicare ID number and your Social Security number.
No matter how good the deal sounds and how convincing the caller seems, don’t do it!
Tips to Avoid Open Enrollment Scams
Selecting a health insurance plan can be challenging and complex. Be on the lookout for common red flags.
