Avoid Scams During the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, the Illinois SMP is here to give some tips so you can avoid getting scammed during this winter. Scammers see this time of year as the perfect time to take advantage of shoppers. Here are some tips to help you outsmart those bah-humbug scammers and donate safely.

Use credit cards when purchasing gifts online. Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards when purchasing items online. Many credit cards offer benefits, like protection for returns and purchases. If unauthorized charges pop up on your statement, you’ll be able to dispute those charges just like you would if you had a charge you didn't recognize on your Medicare Summary Notice.

Buy Gift Cards directly from the retailer. Be careful where you purchase your gift cards. Fraudsters have been known to tamper with the gift cards displayed in grocery stores. Your best bet is to buy gift cards directly from the retailer at their register or on their website.

Research charities before you donate. During the holidays there is always the generous spirit of donating to a charity. Make sure your donation goes where you want it to, not into the hands of a scammer. If someone calls, asking you to give to a charity, don’t let them rush you into making a donation. Instead, research the charity to make sure your donation counts.

As always, never give out your personal information over the phone or on the internet if you do not the person you are speaking with. If you have any questions, you can learn more from the Federal Trade Commission here.

Medicare Card Scam Makes National News, Happening All Across the United States

The "new" Medicare card scam has been reported by the Illinois SMP Fraud Alert for the past year. Now it is being reported by states all across the USA. This isn't a new scam for most readers, but it is playing a significant role in Medicare scams across the country.

The scammer will call and say they are from “Medicare Services” or something else equally as generic. The voice promises to improve your Medicare benefits, possibly save you money, or even get you more money in your Social Security check. “Hold on to be transferred to one of our agents,” the caller says. Your phone displays a local number, “spoofed” to make you think it’s someone you know.

They will soon offer you a "new" Medicare card that will be "plastic, gold or have a chip in it." They will then ask you to confirm all of your personal information. You should just hang up and report the potential scam to your local SMP. Never give out any personal information, including your Medicare card number over the phone. Medicare will never call you!

You can read the whole story from the Seattle Times here.

If you or someone you know has had any potential home health care fraud please contact the Illinois SMP at (800)699-9043.

December 2022 Presentations and Fairs*

December 1st at 10:00 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

Northbrook Senior Center (3323 Walters Avenue Northbrook, IL 60062)

December 8th at 12:30 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Salermo’s Meal Site (9301 W. 63rd Street Hodgkins, Illinois 60525)

December 15th at 3:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Bridgeway of Bensenville (303 E. Washington Street Bensenville, IL 60106)

December 21st at 11:00 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

Senior’s Citizens Academy (650 E. Phoenix Center Drove Phoenix, Illinois 60426)

December 22nd at 11:00 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

Barrington Park District (235 Lions Drive Barrington, IL 60010)

December 29th at 10:30 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

West Suburban Sr Service (439 Bohland Avenue Bellwood, IL 60104)

*Please note that all events are in person

We will be taking a month break from Fraud Alerts during the busy Holiday Season.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday!

We will see everyone in 2023!

Travis Trumitch

travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org

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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.

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