Consumer Alert: Medicare Card Change Could Increase Scam Risk

Date: 08/01/18

New Medicare cards are being mailed to Hoosiers. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) says the change could trigger scams. Hoosiers on Medicare received new cards recently. The new cards are more secure, since the old cards displayed a member’s Social Security number (SSN). State officials say identity thieves use SSNs to open credit cards or take out loans in someone else’s name. IDOI officials warn scammers could use this transition period to steal your personal information.

So how can you protect yourself? Here are some tips from the IDOI:

• You do not need to pay for a new Medicare card
• Do not give your Medicare number to people you do not know or have not contacted first
• Do not give financial information to people you do not know
• Do not believe anyone who tells you that your Medicare will be canceled unless you give them your Medicare number
• Destroy your old Medicare card

If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact Indiana’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-317-205-9201 or contact SHIP for assistance. If you have questions about Medicare or your new Medicare cards, call SHIP at 1-800-452-4800, 1-866-846-0139 TDD or online at www.medicare.in.gov.