SCAM ALERT: Watch Out for Call From 'Medicare' Worker

NORTH READING, MA - The North Reading Police Department is warning residents about scam and urging them never to give out bank information to a stranger over the phone.

Police have heard of a number of imposter scams circulating. In one scenario the scammer calls a victim and pretends to work for Medicare. They see they need to verify a bank account number

Police warn the scammer may sound convincing because they often know the first few numbers of their victim’s bank account number and say they just need to verify the rest.

“But if you fill in the blanks, you’re giving them access to your money — and their goal is to steal it,” the police wrote in a statement.

The scammer then they lost the target’s bank information and wants to transfer additional benefits to them or send a new Medicare card.

“They assure you there’s no charge, and act like it’s an urgent matter — that your benefits will be cut off if you don’t give them your bank account information right away,” police wrote.

The police offer these tips to help avoid a telephone scam:

• Don’t give out your bank account number — or any part of your Social Security number.
• Simply hang up the phone.
• Report your experience at 1-877-FTC-HELP or ftc.gov/complaint. Click on “Scams and Rip-offs,” and then “Imposter Scams.”
• If you have questions about your Medicare benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

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