Protecting Yourself from Medicare Fraud and Scams: A Virginia Beach Senior's Guide

Protecting Yourself from Medicare Fraud and Scams: A Hampton Roads Senior's Guide

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, and unfortunately, Virginia Beach seniors are often targeted by sophisticated scammers looking to steal personal information or bill Medicare for services never provided. As someone who has worked with Medicare for over 24 years, I've seen how these scams evolve and become more convincing.

The good news is that with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from Medicare fraud while ensuring you get all the legitimate benefits you're entitled to. Let me share the most common scams targeting Hampton Roads seniors and exactly how to protect yourself.

Why Seniors Are Targeted for Medicare Fraud

Predictable Healthcare Needs: Scammers know seniors are more likely to need medical services and may be less suspicious of healthcare-related calls.

Medicare Card Information: Your Medicare number is like a credit card number to fraudsters – it can be used to bill Medicare for fake services, in recent findings 1.6 billion dollars (about $4.90 per person in the US) have been billed to Medicare on fake claims for Durable Medical Equipment.

Trusting Nature: Many seniors grew up in an era when people were more trustworthy, making them more vulnerable to sophisticated scams.

Isolation: Seniors who are lonely or isolated may be more willing to engage with friendly callers, even if they're scammers.

The Most Common Medicare Scams in Virginia Beach

Scam #1: "Medicare Card Replacement" Calls

How It Works: Scammers call claiming Medicare is issuing new cards and need to "verify your information" to send your replacement card.

The Truth: Medicare will never call you asking for personal information. New Medicare cards are mailed automatically when needed.

Red Flags:

●       Unsolicited calls about Medicare cards

●       Requests for Social Security numbers or Medicare numbers

●       Threats that your benefits will be cancelled

●       Pressure to provide information immediately

Scam #2: "Free" Medical Equipment

How It Works: Callers offer "free" wheelchairs, braces, diabetic supplies, or other medical equipment. They claim Medicare will pay for everything, but they need your Medicare number to process the order.  This how the false claims happen.

The Truth: Legitimate medical equipment requires a doctor's prescription and prior authorization. No one should be calling you with offers of free equipment.

Red Flags:

●       Unsolicited offers of free medical equipment

●       Claims that "Medicare approves everyone"

●       Requests for Medicare numbers over the phone

●       High-pressure tactics about limited-time offers

Scam #3: Fake Medicare Plans

How It Works: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives or insurance agents, claiming to offer special Medicare plans or supplements with amazing benefits at low costs. Call your Insurance agent or Broker for the latest Medicare plans or supplements.

The Truth: Legitimate Medicare plans are only sold during specific enrollment periods by licensed agents who follow very strict marketing rules.

Red Flags:

●       Door-to-door sales of Medicare plans-(prohibited)

●       Claims of special "government programs" not available to everyone- (only Medicaid)

●       Pressure to sign up immediately- (prohibited)

●       Requests for bank account information (prohibited)

Scam #4: Medicare "Refund" Scams

How It Works: Callers claim you're entitled to a Medicare refund but need to verify your bank account information to process the payment.

The Truth: Legitimate Medicare refunds are processed through official channels and never require providing bank information over the phone.

Red Flags:

●       Unexpected refund offers

●       Requests for bank account numbers

●       Claims you must act quickly to claim your refund

●       Calls from unofficial phone numbers

How to Protect Your Medicare Information

Guard Your Medicare Card:

●       Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number

●       Never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers

●       Don't carry your Medicare card unnecessarily

●       Make copies and leave the original at home when possible

Verify Before You Trust:

●       If someone claims to be from Medicare, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE

●       Ask for credentials from anyone claiming to be a Medicare representative, call your agent or broker instead

●       Verify that insurance agents are licensed through your state insurance department

Know Medicare's Communication Policies:

●       Medicare will never call you asking for personal information

●       Medicare will never threaten to cancel your benefits over the phone

●       Medicare communications come through official mail, not phone calls

Review Your Medicare Statements:

●       Read your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) carefully

●       Report any services you didn't receive

●       Keep track of your medical appointments and compare them to your statements

What to Do If You're Targeted by Scammers

If You Receive a Suspicious Call:

●       Don't provide any personal information

●       Don't engage with the caller or ask questions

●       Hang up immediately

●       Report the call to Medicare and local authorities

If You Think You've Been Scammed:

●       Contact Medicare immediately at 1-800-MEDICARE

●       Call your local police department to file a report

●       Contact your bank if you provided financial information

●       Monitor your Medicare statements for unauthorized charges

If Your Medicare Number Is Compromised:

●       Call Medicare to report the theft

●       Request a new Medicare number if necessary

●       Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity

●       Keep detailed records of all communications

Legitimate Medicare Communications vs. Scams

Legitimate Medicare Contact:

●       Comes through official mail with Medicare logos and contact information

●       Never asks for personal information you haven't already provided

●       Refers to specific services you've actually received

●       Provides clear instructions for contacting Medicare directly

Scam Communications:

●       Unsolicited phone calls asking for personal information

●       Pressure to act immediately

●       Offers that sound too good to be true

●       Requests for payment or bank account information

Special Scams Targeting Virginia Beach Seniors

Hurricane Damage Scams: After severe weather, scammers may pose as Medicare representatives offering coverage for storm-related injuries or property damage. Medicare doesn't cover property damage, and legitimate healthcare coverage doesn't require immediate payment.

Military Benefits Scams: With our large military population, scammers may target veterans claiming to help coordinate Medicare with military benefits. Always verify through official VA channels.

Seasonal Scams: During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7), scammers increase their activity, knowing seniors are thinking about Medicare plans.

How to Get Legitimate Medicare Help

Trusted Sources for Medicare Information:

●       Medicare.gov for official information

●       1-800-MEDICARE for customer service

●       Licensed Medicare brokers in your area

●       State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

When Working with Medicare Brokers:

●       Verify they're licensed in Virginia

●       Ensure they represent multiple insurance companies

●       Ask for references from other clients

●       Meet in professional settings, not just your home

Red Flags Even with "Legitimate" Agents:

●       High-pressure sales tactics

●       Refusal to provide written information

●       Claims about exclusive or secret plans

●       Requests for immediate payment or bank information

Protecting Yourself Year-Round

During Open Enrollment:

●       Only work with licensed, reputable agents

●       Compare plans through official Medicare resources

●       Don't sign up for plans through unsolicited calls or visits

●       Take time to review all materials before making decisions

Throughout the Year:

●       Regularly review your Medicare statements

●       Keep your personal information secure

●       Be skeptical of unsolicited offers

●       Report suspicious activity immediately

Building a Relationship with Trusted Medicare Professionals

One of the best protections against Medicare fraud is having a relationship with a trusted, local Medicare professional who can help you navigate legitimate Medicare questions and identify potential scams.

As your local Medicare broker in Virginia Beach, I help clients not just with plan enrollment, but with ongoing education about protecting their Medicare benefits. I can help you understand what legitimate Medicare communications look like and provide guidance when you're unsure about offers or opportunities.

Resources for Reporting Medicare Fraud

Medicare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) Virginia Attorney General's Office: Consumer protection division Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ftc.gov for reporting scams Local Police: For immediate threats or if you've lost money

Stay Informed and Stay Protected

Medicare fraud schemes constantly evolve, but the basic principles of protection remain the same: guard your personal information, verify before you trust, and work with reputable professionals for your Medicare needs.

Call Retha Rish Insurance Agency at 757-692-8388 or email rrish@asb.insure if you have questions about Medicare communications or need help verifying whether an offer is legitimate.

Don't let scammers take advantage of your Medicare benefits or steal your personal information. Stay informed, stay skeptical, and always verify before providing any personal information related to your Medicare coverage.