BLS IMPORTANT UPDATE

Medicare Update and Scam Alert

Starting 4/1/18, Medicare will start a yearlong project to replace all current Medicare cards for beneficiaries to convert to alphanumeric ID numbers. Currently the ID number is your social security number.
Scammers are opportunistic – First of all, the new Medicare card will come to you in the mail. You don’t need to request it or initiate anything. Your card will show up.

WHAT’S THE SCAM?
Somebody from “MEDICARE” will call to tell you that you are getting a new Medicare card. But until it comes, you will need a temporary card. The fee for the card is between $5-50 dollars. They will want personal information, including a bank account number or credit card number, so they can process your temporary card. THIS IS A SCAM!

REMEMBER
Medicare will never call you unless asked by you. Medicare facilitates all communications by mail unless you directly ask them to call. This is also true for anyone that says they are “working with Medicare to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to receive.”

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• First of all, spread the word! Feel free to share this BLS Important Update.
• Use your answering machine to screen calls or just don’t even answer a number you don’t recognize.
• If it has happened to you or your friends or loved ones, and personal info had been given out, (happens considerably more often than you think so, don’t feel bad or stupid) immediately take action to protect yourself against identity theft.
• Visit the Government website: https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/12002-New-Medicare-Card-flyer.pdf

For additional information please contact your BLS Team Member at 302.225.0600 or info@belfint.com for further assistance.

Best Regards,
Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs
www.belfint.com
info@belfint.com

Photo by Don Hankins (License)