Medicare Alert: Protect Yourself from the New Benefits Expiration Scam in South Dakota

Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued a warning about a worrying increase in phone scams that target Medicare beneficiaries. 

The Consumer Protection Division has been inundated with distressing reports from citizens who have fallen victim to these deceitful schemes.

The modus operandi of these scammers involves alarming the recipients by falsely claiming that their Medicare benefits are on the verge of expiration. They then manipulate the situation by requesting the recipient’s current Medicare number, asserting a need to link it to a purportedly new one. 

When met with hesitation, these scammers resort to intimidating tactics, threatening to terminate the Medicare benefits of the unsuspecting victims.

Attorney General Jackley expressed deep concern, stating, “These scammers are bullying the Medicare recipients and threatening to take away their well-earned benefits. They are using fear to force the person to give up their valued personal information.”

Medicare’s Communication Protocol

To address these alarming issues, Jackley emphasized that Medicare does not initiate unsolicited calls requesting personal or private information. Government agencies generally send written statements via mail before resorting to phone calls, ensuring a more secure communication process.

He further cautioned the public against placing trust in calls requesting health insurance information, advising never to disclose personal or financial details when pressured by such callers.

For individuals who may have already provided their Medicare number through such fraudulent means, immediate action is crucial. They are urged to contact Medicare promptly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and request a replacement card.

Moreover, if any unexpected packages containing knee, wrist, or back braces arrive items that were not ordered citizens are encouraged to reach out to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986. Alternatively, they can file a complaint via email at [email protected].

The Attorney General’s office remains vigilant and proactive in safeguarding citizens against these distressing telephone scams, urging constant caution and awareness among Medicare recipients to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.