It’s almost time for Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Nov. 15 – Dec. 31) and with the recent changes to healthcare laws, some scammers are attempting to take advantage of people’s uncertainty.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray says his office has already received complaints of phone scammers out to score citizens’ sensitive information like credit card and Social Security numbers:

Scam artists will attempt to use the new healthcare reform law to confuse seniors who are not familiar with the system. So far this year, my office has received more than 60 reports of Medicare-related scams, and we expect the number to climb as the enrollment period approaches.

To that end, Cordray’s office has sent out these three tips to help people identify and avoid Medicare enrollment scams:
1. Never provide any personal information over the phone if you are unsure about who is requesting the information.
2. Hang up on callers that pressure you for personal information or request that you enroll in a Medicare product over the phone. It’s shrewd to be rude!
3. Always review your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice to determine possible fraud or errors.

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