Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — Officials are warning seniors to be cautious after reports of scammers sending fake plastic Medicare cards through the mail.
According to information shared by the SARCOA Area Agency on Aging, scammers are mailing plastic cards that appear more “official” than legitimate Medicare cards in an effort to trick recipients.
The real Medicare card is paper, not plastic.
In many cases, the mailing includes a letter or insert claiming the recipient must “verify their identity” to activate the new card. Victims are then instructed to call a phone number listed in the letter.
Once contact is made, the scammer may ask for sensitive information such as a Social Security number, Medicare number, or banking details.
Officials say the request is a red flag. Medicare does not send plastic cards or require identity verification through unsolicited phone calls.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is urging seniors to report suspected scams, especially if someone calls claiming a new year requires a new Medicare card.
Authorities encourage residents to avoid calling numbers listed in suspicious mail and never share personal or financial information with unknown callers.
