The Better Business Bureau is ALERTING senior citizens about an abusive telemarketing scheme aimed at Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The caller informs the seniors they are about to loose their Medicare benefits or must get a new card, or a new ID number, unless they pay a fee immediately. Telemarketers instruct the victims to disclose their bank account number to pay a check by phone.
The scam is called the “$299 Ring”. The typical amount of money the Medicare beneficiaries are talked into with drawing from their checking accounts in order to “keep” their benefits or to pay for a non-existent prescription drug plan.
The Bureau offers the following tips:
• Never release your personal banking information to anyone that calls YOU
• Legitimate Medicare drug plans never ask for payment by phone
• No one can come into your home uninvited
• No one can ask you for personal information during their marketing activities
• Always keep all personal information safe including Medicare numbers
• If you have concern about any activity regarding Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE.
If you have additional information including phone numbers and address of the company placing these calls please contact the Better Business Bureau at 691-1533.