Maine Township warns citizens about potential Medicare scams

While Maine Township citizens should always be on guard against scams, people should be especially vigilant in the coming weeks. Telephone phishing and social media scams are on the rise according to Marsha Warnick, Maine Township General Assistance Director.

Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is scheduled to begin sending new cards to Medicare recipients in April. This has caused an increase in in the number of people claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Medicare who call or use social media to ask people for information or money for a “temporary card” according to information Warnick has received from the Illinois Coalition on Hunger.

Warnick went on to say that according to CMS, Medicare never calls uninvited or asks for personal or private information to get a new Medicare Number and card. CMS advises that if someone calls and asks for information, money, or threatens to cancel health benefits, hang up and call 1800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

“Unfortunately, in this day and age, we must be ever vigilant against scams that are becoming increasingly prevalent. Here at the Township I am proud that our staff is vigilant about protecting our residents, as we represent many vulnerable populations,” said Laura J. Morask, Maine Township Supervisor. “This scam is particularly vile as it preys on our vulnerable Senior residents in their time of need of medical care.”

For more information, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/01/scammers-impersonatesocial-security-administration or www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/05/new-medicare-cards-are .