Fraud Alert - Medicare and Social Security

The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Information (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) have been made aware of Iowa Medicare beneficiaries receiving calls from individuals identifying themselves as representatives of Medicare plans and requesting Social Security numbers over the phone.  

Callers are telling Iowans Social Security information is necessary to ensure plan premiums are withheld from Social Security Payments, but incoming calls of this nature raise a red flag. “Anyone calling and asking for your Social Security number or banking information is likely trying to commit fraud,” Iowa SHIIP and SMP Director Kristin Griffith said. “Be especially vigilant of callers using high-pressure tactics such as threatening to remove services because you are not taking immediate action.”

Medicare Advantage Plan providers and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan providers can set up premium withholdings without your Social Security number. If you call your plan and they insist on requiring your Social Security number, you can ask to speak to a supervisor and file a grievance.

Griffith added, “Remember that phone numbers can easily be spoofed. This means that the number you see on your caller ID may not be the real number that scammer is calling from. To stay safe, let calls go to voicemail.  If you need to call your plan, use the number from the back of your card or the plan’s website.”