Fraud Alert - Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol
February 22nd, 2021
Illinois Attorney General Warns of Text Scams for Upcoming Real ID Requirements
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Secretary of State is warning Illinois residents to be on alert for text message scams for the upcoming federal Real ID requirements.

The Real ID text scam works by scammers sending unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The text message tells the person to click on a link to update their driver’s license or state ID for the upcoming federal Real ID requirements.

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress, establishes minimum security standards for state driver’s licenses and IDs. After October 1, 2021, Illinois residents who have not updated to the Real ID, won’t be able to use their driver’s licenses or state IDs at airport security or military bases, among other places.

You can read the whole press release here. You can also read more about the Real ID here.

Remember to delete these text messages, update your software on your phone, and hang up on all robocalls.

If you or someone you know has a been a victim of a potential text message scam, please call the Illinois SMP Hotline at (800)699-9043.
Don't Post Your Vaccination Cards
 on Social Media!
Even though everyone is excited that they are getting the vaccine, are proud and want to show it off on social media, we should be aware that our vaccination cards have sensitive information on them! Your vaccination card has information on it including your full name, date of birth, where you got your vaccine, and the dates you got it.

When you post it to Facebook or to some other social media platform, you may be be giving over your personal info to a fraudster. Fraudsters could steal your identity with all your personal information.

The FTC has an article on this exact situation here.

If you or someone you know has a been a victim of potential Medicare fraud or a COVID-19 scam, please call the Illinois SMP Hotline at (800)699-9043.
Upcoming AgeOptions SMP Outreach Events
Village of Niles Senior Center – Tips to Prevent Medicare Fraud
February 22nd, 10:30 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 955 3120 3966#

Brookfield Public Library – Tips to Prevent Medicare Fraud
February 23rd, 11:00 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 955 3120 3966#

Proviso Township – Spanish SMP – Consejos para Prevenir Fraude en Medicare
23 de Febrero a las 11:30 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 9403 285 9841#

Mather Informational Calls – SMP Basics
March 8th, 9:30 am
Dial (855) 880-1246 Meeting ID: 386 399 7030#
Have a safe and healthy week!

Travis Trumitch
travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org
Please share this Fraud Alert with colleagues, consumers, or other professionals in your area. If you would like to sign up to receive the Fraud Alert directly, visit click here.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0036, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
The Illinois SMP at AgeOptions partners with agencies across the state to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

Please share this Fraud Alert with colleagues, consumers, or other professionals in your area and visit our website to sign up for our Fraud Alert email list.