Older adults have always been a target of scammers. But now in the era of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, they are moving into high gear to take advantage of the chaos and fear in society to defraud everyone, and especially older adults.
One current scam is a threatening letter that says your Social Security benefit will be suspended or discontinued because Social Security offices are closed due to COVID-19. The letter states you must share your personal information or make special payments to maintain your Social Security benefits.
Watch for any requests from strangers who want you to:
- Give them your Medicare or Social Security number or other personal information
- Buy a “COVID-19 kit” or “Coronavirus package.”
Remember:
- Medicare and Social Security will never call you. Scammers can call from numbers that appear on your phone as direct government phone numbers.
- Social Security or Medicare will never ask you to make a payment in exchange for new benefits or assistance.
If you receive a suspicious letter, text, call or email or if you see unfamiliar medical expenses on your Medicare claims notices, report them at (800) MEDICARE or Report Social Security Scams.
Learn more
Read current COVID-19-related fraud alerts against older adults at:
- Help fight Medicare fraud
- Coronavirus-Related Medicare Scam Alert
- Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam
Member Services is open for members!
Lastly, if you have any COVID-19-related or other medical claims questions about your Everence® Medicare Supplement plan, please contact us.
While our physical offices are closed to the public temporarily, we can still help you! Our Member Services team is available to help our Medicare Supplement members during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday to Friday.
Remember you have two ways to reach us:
- By phone: (800) 348-7464 ext. 2460
- Email: member.services@everence.com