Beware of COVID-19 scams
While the coronavirus continues to attack our communities, there’s another threat to be aware of — COVID-19 scams targeting older adults.
You may not be able to avoid becoming ill from the coronavirus, but you can protect yourself from COVID-19 fraudsters who are using the pandemic to prey on older adults. Here’s what you need to know.
About getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Protect your health and the health of your loved ones by following instructions provided by your state or local government about COVID-19 and how to get vaccinated.
• Medicare will not call you. Hang up on anyone who says they’re a Medicare representative.
• You won’t need to pay for the vaccine during the pandemic.
• You can’t pay to have your name put on a list to get vaccinated.
• Callers who claim to be from vaccine distribution offices or private insurance companies should not ask for your Medicare or Social Security number, credit card number or bank account number.
• Be suspicious of people calling or going door-to-door offering free COVID-19 kits, tests, supplies, treatments or vaccinations.
For Medicare beneficiaries
Don’t give out any personal information or your Medicare or Social Security number at booths or health fairs, or if you get unsolicited calls, emails, texts or home visits. This stops criminals from using your personal information in other scams.
Carefully review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or explanation of benefits (EOB) to make sure you’re not being charged for services you did not receive. Before making a payment, contact your health care provider if you have questions about a bill.
If you’ve been contacted by a scammer or have been a victim of fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with your state attorney general at consumerresources.org.
Stay healthy, stay safe
Contact us to learn more about ways we help residents stay healthy and safe at The Presbyterian Communities of SC at www.prescommunties.org.
