Over the last year, Medicare cards have been updated to now contain a unique ID consisting of random numbers, rather than Social Security Numbers. This change is intended to help protect identity, but scammers are adjusting and finding ways to steal these new numbers.

New Medicare scams appear frequently, as well as twists on existing scams, make sure you stay up-to-date on what's happening so you can best protect yourself.

When your Medicare card information is compromised, it could result in medical identity theft. This type of theft can impact your treatment, insurance and payment records, and credit report. To help protect yourself, we recommend that you learn more about medical identity theft from the FTC, and stay informed on some other recent scams below.

Free DNA Testing

In an effort to get your personal information, scammers are offering free DNA or genetic testing, stating that Medicare will pay for it. This is an attempt to get your Medicare card information. This scam takes many forms such as flyers through the mail or email, a booth at a health fair, or a phone call stating that your doctor ordered it(they may even send you a test kit).

What should you do? Be very cautious. Don't give anyone your Medicare number for "free" or other services. Check with your doctor to see if it was ordered. If you think you need a genetic or other screening tests, discuss this directly with your doctor.

Robocalls

The scammers trick the caller ID on your phone to make it appear as if a government agency or healthcare provider is contacting you. The objective is to make it seem like a trustworthy business or organization is contacting you so you answer the phone. Once you answer, they will try to get you to give them your Medicare number for bogus reasons, such as to “activate” your card, replace the card because it has an error, or replace your paper card with a plastic one.

What should you do? Just hang up. Medicare cards do not need to be activated and there are no plastic Medicare cards.

The FCC article, Older Americans and Medicare Card Scams, has more information and includes audio snippets from actual calls.

Free Medical Equipment

In this scam, you receive a phone call informing you that you qualify for a back brace, a knee brace, or other durable medical equipment (DME) that won't cost you anything as it will be paid by Medicare.

What should you do? Just hang up. If you are delivered unsolicited DME, don't accept it. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report the call or delivery. The BBB scam alert, Beware of the Medicare Back Brace Scam, has more information.

Tips for Protection

If you or a family member have Medicare, it's important to protect your Medicare number and your personal information. Use these tips to help you:

• Only provide your Medicare number to your doctors and pharmacists, insurers and health agencies that work with Medicare

• Hang up immediately if you receive an unsolicited call from someone asking for your Medicare number, social security number, or personal information (Medicare will never make an unsolicited call to you and ask for your personal information)

• Caller ID information can be spoofed so that it looks like the call is coming from Medicare or other medical providers. It's important to note that legitimat providers asking for personal information will understand if you need to call them back to provide it. Most won't ask for this information over the phone so be sure to confirm with the provided by contacting them directly (always call back the number provided to you through Medicare instead of the number that calls you)

• Don't believe someone is a Medicare employee just because they know some information about you

• Check your Medicare statements to make sure you received the services listed or for errors

• Report anything suspicious to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Medicare provides resources to help you report fraud and abuse. This section on the Medicare.gov site has tips for preventing fraud and for spotting fraud. Your Medicare & You handbook also has a section on protecting yourself from fraud.

New Medicare scams appear frequently, as well as twists on existing scams, make sure you stay up-to-date on what's happening so you can best protect yourself.