October is Protecting Older Americans From Fraud Month
October is "Protecting Older Americans from Fraud" Month. The GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol, which specializes in Medicare fraud, is helping inform seniors about various types of fraud aimed at their population, stated Erika Lawson, coordinator of GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol.
The Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services administers GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol. The program sees a lot of identity theft involving Social Security and Medicare numbers where fraudulent charges appear on seniors’ bills, said Lawson.
"Older Americans are being targeted not only with Medicare fraud but Internet, mail and telemarketing schemes. We have an example of a fraud case where a person was going door-to-door collecting $100.00 checks for the Medicare Drug Discount Card and promising $600.00 in return on the seniors’ Social Security checks. We inform seniors that marketing of these cards are not done door-to-door or by telephone. Information regarding these cards is available at www.Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or GeorgiaCares, 1-800-669-8387," said Lawson.
"GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol is committed to protecting seniors by providing up-to-date and precise information on fraud. Our volunteers conduct fraud presentations statewide at senior centers and public events to encourage older Americans to take a stand against fraud," said Lawson.
GeorgiaCares offers the following tips:
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Do not leave important mail such as your Social Security check, Medicare notices or credit card information in your mailbox more than one day.
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Do not give your Social Security and Medicare numbers to strangers.
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When telemarketers call, ask for their company name; contact number; the purpose of their call; and request that information be sent in writing.
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Contact “Dialing for Dollars” to receive a free DVD on investment fraud schemes from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by calling toll-free at 1-877-987-3728 or by visiting the website at www.usps.com/postalinspectors.
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Add your telephone number to the National Do Not Call registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or by visiting the website at www.donotcall.gov.
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If you or someone you know suspects Medicare fraud, call GeorgiaCares toll-free at 1-800-669-8387 to report it. GeorgiaCares will forward this information to the Office of Inspector General or other appropriate agencies for investigation.
For more information, contact GeorgiaCares through your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-669-8387.
For information contact
Edna Jackson
404-657-1386
edjackson@dhr.state.ga.us
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