In this guide 4 sections
When someone gives a Social Security number to an unsolicited caller offering Medicare benefits, the immediate priority is protecting their credit and reporting the possible identity theft. Medicare warns people not to share personal information with callers they did not contact first.
Freeze his credit first
A credit freeze can stop someone from opening a new credit account in his name. It is free, does not affect his credit score, and stays in place until he lifts it.
- 1.Place a credit freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- 2.Report the possible identity theft through the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Keep the report and notes about the call.
- 3.Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Explain that an unsolicited benefits caller obtained his Social Security number.
- 4.Create or sign in to his secure Medicare.gov account. Compare processed claims, provider statements, and his records. Report services or charges he does not recognize.
Why the call is suspicious
Medicare does not call people uninvited to sell anything or ask for private information. Medicare may request information in limited situations, such as returning a call after someone contacted Medicare or reported fraud.
Get help reviewing Medicare activity
Senior Medicare Patrol programs help Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. The national resource center lists a contact for every state and territory it serves.
Watch for medical identity theft
Medical identity theft happens when someone uses another person's information without permission to commit Medicare fraud or other crimes. Check Medicare claims and provider statements regularly for unfamiliar services, dates, or charges.
Questions families ask
Is a fraud alert enough, or should he freeze his credit?
A credit freeze blocks new credit accounts until it is lifted. An initial fraud alert tells businesses to verify his identity before opening credit, but it does not block access to his credit report. A freeze requires contacting all three credit bureaus. An initial fraud alert requires contacting only one, which must notify the other two.
Does a credit freeze cost anything?
No. Placing or lifting a credit freeze is free, and a freeze does not affect his credit score.
Should he call Medicare even if he shared only his Social Security number?
Yes. The call involved Medicare benefits, and Medicare directs people to call 1-800-MEDICARE when an unsolicited caller requests personal information. He should also contact the FTC about possible identity theft.
Who can help us review suspicious Medicare claims?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact the Senior Medicare Patrol in his state. Senior Medicare Patrol programs help beneficiaries and families detect and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.
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