Scam or NotScam No. 0192026-10-31
Is this text a scam?
SCAM
?(202) 555-0143 · Medicare Card Services
Text Message · Today 9:41
Hello, this is a message from Medicare Card Services. Our records show your Medicare card is out of date and a new card must be issued before the enrollment deadline. To avoid a gap in your coverage, call us back right away at (202) 555-0143 and have your card number and a payment method ready. Thank you.
Recreated from the FTC Consumer Alert (Source 1), which describes scammers impersonating Medicare, contacting people unexpectedly, claiming they need a new or updated Medicare card, and asking for Medicare, bank, or card numbers. The caller name and phone number are fictional.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Out of the blueReal Medicare won't call out of nowhere asking for your numbers or money.
Source: “And true Medicare representatives won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue to ask for your numbers or a payment.” link - RED FLAG 2New card pitchReal Medicare cards are free and come in the mail on their own.
Source: “But real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically.” link - RED FLAG 3Wants your numbersMedicare only verifies info when you contact them first, and never charges for a card.
Source: “Medicare will only ask you to verify information if you contact them first, and they won’t try to sell you anything or tell you to pay for your Medicare card.” link
Safe move
Hang up, call Medicare
Don't trust the caller ID; hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check.
Source: “Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To check it out, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).” link
Don't trust the caller ID; hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check.
Source: “Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To check it out, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).” link
Send this to the one who'd tap it.
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