Why is Healthcare Calling Me? How to Spot a Scam & Ways to Protect Yourself

Scams have become very common today. Scammers use modern technology, like phone calls and emails, to trick people into giving away their personal information or money. These scams often target people who aren’t aware of the risks that come with technology. This is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups, like older adults, who might not be as familiar with these tricks.

A study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that seniors are often targeted because they are more likely to have savings and be at home to answer calls. This makes them easy targets for scammers who want to exploit their trust. The effects of these scams can be very harmful, both financially and emotionally.

One of the most concerning types of scams is healthcare scams. These scams take advantage of people’s concerns about their health to steal personal information or money. Knowing how these healthcare scams work and how to spot them can help protect you and your loved ones from becoming victims.

What Are Healthcare Scams?

Healthcare scams are tricks where scammers pretend to be from healthcare providers, insurance companies, or government agencies to steal your personal information or money. These scams can happen through unexpected phone calls, fake emails, or bogus websites.

How Do Healthcare Scams Work?

1. Unsolicited Calls: Scammers call you out of nowhere, pretending to be from a trusted healthcare organization.
2. Request for Personal Information: They ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank account information.
3. Fake Offers: Scammers might offer free medical equipment, special discounts on insurance, or urgent medical services that seem too good to be true.
4. Financial Exploitation: Once they have your information, they can make unauthorized transactions or file false insurance claims.

According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, healthcare scams cost billions of dollars every year, with Medicare fraud alone estimated at $60 billion annually. Many people fall victim to these scams, leading to big financial losses and emotional stress.

Victims of healthcare scams often feel betrayed and hurt. The financial damage can be especially hard, particularly for seniors who might be living on a fixed income. Emotionally, people feel embarrassed, angry, and scared. They may lose trust in legitimate healthcare providers, making it harder for them to get the care they need.

Recognizing the Signs of Healthcare Call Scams

Knowing the signs of healthcare call scams is important to protect yourself and avoid getting tricked. By recognizing these warning signs, you can keep your personal information safe and stay out of trouble. Here are some common signs that you might be getting a call from a healthcare scammer:

1. Unexpected Calls: If you get a call out of nowhere from someone claiming to be from a healthcare provider or insurance company, be careful. Real organizations usually don’t call you without warning.
2. Pushy Behavior: Scammers may try to rush you into making quick decisions by saying things like “This is urgent” or “You need to decide now.” Legitimate companies usually give you time to think it over and verify their information.
3. Asking for Personal Information: Be suspicious if the caller asks for sensitive details like your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank account information. Real healthcare providers almost never ask for this information over the phone.
4. Too Good to Be True Offers: If the caller offers free medical equipment, special discounts on insurance, or other deals that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Scammers use these offers to lure you in.
5. Fake Caller ID: Scammers can fake their caller ID to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted organization. Always double-check by calling the official number of the organization.
6. Vague Details: If the caller can’t provide specific details about the services or products they are offering, it’s a red flag. Real companies will have clear and detailed information.
7. Sketchy Contact Information: Scammers might hesitate to give you a call-back number or provide one that doesn’t work. Always verify contact information independently.

Knowing these signs can help you avoid becoming a victim of healthcare scams. Being aware and cautious can stop you from giving away personal information or money to fraudsters. By recognizing these warning signs, you can check if the call is real and protect yourself and your family from harm.

How to Protect Yourself from Healthcare Scams

Staying safe from healthcare scams means being careful and proactive. Here are some easy ways to protect yourself and your family:

1. Don’t Share Personal Information Over the Phone: Never give out your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details over the phone unless you made the call and know who you’re talking to. If asked for this info, hang up and call the official number of the organization to confirm.
2. Verify Caller Identity: Always double-check who’s calling by asking for their name, department, and a callback number. Use the contact information on the organization’s website to verify if they’re real.
3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious with offers for free medical equipment, special discounts, or urgent services that come out of the blue. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your own research before making any decisions.
4. Use Caller ID and Call Blocking: Screen calls using caller ID and avoid answering numbers you don’t recognize. Use call-blocking services and apps to filter out scam calls.
5. Educate Yourself and Your Family: Learn about common scam tactics and share this information with your family, especially older relatives. Regularly discuss what to do if they get a suspicious call.
6. Report Suspicious Calls: Report any suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency. This helps authorities track and stop scammers.
7. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls. While it won’t stop all scam calls, it can help reduce them.
8. Monitor Financial Statements and Medical Bills: Regularly check your bank statements and medical bills for any unauthorized charges. Report any issues to your bank or healthcare provider right away.

You can significantly lower your risk of becoming a victim of healthcare scams by being informed and taking these precautions. Protect your personal information and keep your family safe by staying informed and vigilant. Being proactive is the best way to defend against scammers. Stay safe!