The reformatted Medicare identification cards are arriving, and many of you have already received yours. I just received mine a week ago, and it prompted me to once again be aware of the unceasing efforts of scam artists and fraudsters just chomping at the bit to lure unsuspecting seniors into a situation that can lead to identity theft and, ultimately, financial loss. It’s amazing that the arrival of the new cards seems to have brought with it a noticeable increase in the number of cold calls from sources claiming to be Medicare representatives and seeking to engage in a conversation about your situation. Harmless? I think not.

So, what do you need to be on the lookout for? In an article posted recently on Monmouth County, New Jersey’s Atlantic Highlands Herald, their Public Information editorial staff has posted a great summary of the warning signs describing the most common scams, and adding guidance on what to do if you are approached by a source you suspect as being fraudulent. The key directive is this: “If someone asks you for your personal information, for money or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).”

Read the full AH Herald post here…it’s brief but it contains a good synopsis of the situation.

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