Senior Fraud Series: Healthcare Scams
Senior healthcare scams specifically target older adults by exploiting their healthcare needs and concerns. These scams can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and even inadequate or harmful medical treatment. Here are some common examples of senior healthcare scams:
Medicare Scams: Scammers may impersonate Medicare representatives or use official-looking materials to offer fake services or benefits, claiming that individuals need a new Medicare card or additional coverage. They may request personal information or payment for these services.
Prescription Drug Scams: Fraudsters may pose as online pharmacies or mail-order prescription services, offering discounted or prescription drugs without a prescription. These drugs can be counterfeit, ineffective, or unsafe.
Healthcare Provider Impersonation: Scammers may pose as healthcare professionals, offering medical services, treatments, or consultations, often through unsolicited calls or door-to-door visits. They may bill for services that were never provided or administer unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments.
Medical Equipment Scams: Fraudulent companies may offer medical equipment such as mobility aids, hearing aids, or diabetes supplies, billing Medicare or private insurance for unnecessary or overpriced items.
COVID-19 Vaccine Scams: During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers exploited seniors' concerns by offering fake vaccines or access to vaccine appointments in exchange for payment or personal information.
Funeral and Burial Scams: Some scammers target seniors by offering pre-paid funeral or burial plans with false promises of discounts or special offers. These plans may not be honored when needed, causing additional financial burdens on the family.
Genetic Testing Scams: Fraudsters may offer free genetic testing kits to seniors, claiming it's for health purposes or ancestry research. In reality, they may use the collected DNA for identity theft or fraudulent billing to Medicare or private insurance.
Telehealth Scams: With the rise of telemedicine, scammers may impersonate legitimate telehealth providers, offering virtual medical consultations that are either fake or lead to unnecessary medical expenses.
To protect themselves from senior healthcare scams, older adults should consider the following precautions:
Verify Information: Confirm the legitimacy of healthcare offers or providers by contacting Medicare, the insurance company, or a trusted healthcare professional directly. Avoid responding to unsolicited calls or emails.
Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal, Medicare, or insurance information over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact with a trusted source.
Question Unexpected Offers: Be skeptical of unsolicited healthcare offers or promotions, especially those requiring immediate decisions or payments.
Research Companies: Research healthcare providers and companies online to ensure they have a legitimate track record and are registered with the appropriate authorities.
Review Statements and Bills: Regularly review medical bills and statements for any inaccuracies or unfamiliar charges, and report discrepancies immediately.
Consult Trusted Sources: Seek advice from trusted family members, friends, or healthcare professionals when making decisions related to healthcare or insurance.
Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect you've encountered a senior healthcare scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for Medicare. Reporting can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
