INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q: Do you have any information on the latest scams going around? Anything new I should watch out for?

A: The two most recent scams that have been brought to my attention involve scammers posing as Social Security Administration employees or Medicare representatives.

In the first scam, you will get a phone call from a number that appears legitimate. It is an automated recording saying that your Social Security number “has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity.” The recording tells you to call the phone number provided to fix the problem. If you don’t call, you are advised that your assets will be frozen. Those who call the number are asked to provide personal information to fix the problem, and in doing so, open themselves up to identity theft. The second scam, targets people who are anxious to receive their new Medicare card. The scammer represents themselves as a Medicare representative whose job is to ‘help’ you get your new Medicare card. They tell you they need your old Medicare number (your Social Security number) in order to complete the transaction. None of this is true. It’s simply a way to get you to

share your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration has issued the following statement: “In an effort to combat such scams, we want to make one thing perfectly clear: Social Security will not send you an email asking you to give us your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information. If someone saying they are from Social Security does email you requesting information, don’t respond to the message. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to see whether we really need any information from you.” Medicare’s website states:

“If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227.) While these phone calls can be upsetting, don’t panic or fall for their threats. Simply hang up. If the call is from a legitimate organization or agency (like Social Security or Medicare) you can contact them directly or they have other ways of getting in touch with you.

Got questions on life, health, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements? Call or email me. I will help you find a plan that works for you. My email is Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com or call 440-255-5700.

Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com