The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents to be vigilant against Medicare-related scams during the open enrollment period. A recent report to the department involved a scammer attempting to obtain a resident’s Social Security number and personal information through a fraudulent Medicare call.
Officials say these scams often appear legitimate, with perpetrators posing as Medicare representatives or affiliated businesses. Their ultimate goal is to steal sensitive information such as Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or financial account details.
“Medicare doesn’t make unsolicited calls or ask for personal information over the phone,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “If you receive an unexpected call, hang up immediately and verify its legitimacy by contacting Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.”
Scammers may also use other forms of communication, such as email, mail, text messages, or social media, to appear credible. They often mimic official Medicare branding or language to deceive potential victims.
Tips to Avoid Medicare Scams
- Don’t provide personal information: Legitimate Medicare representatives will not ask for Social Security, Medicare, or financial account numbers unsolicited.
- Avoid responding to unexpected outreach: If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, or mail claiming to be from Medicare, do not click links, open attachments, or respond in any way.
- Use verified resources: To compare Medicare costs or plans, seek assistance from the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) available in all U.S. states and territories.
Residents who suspect a scam should report the incident to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that vigilance is key to preventing identity theft and financial fraud. With scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated, verifying the authenticity of communications is essential.
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