Today was National Report Medicare Fraud Day. . .Be prepared! Here are some important tips and pointers on keeping yourself safe from Medicare fraud!

National Report Medicare Fraud Day

It never ceases to amaze me at the actions of alleged criminals, stealing people’s Medicare identity. Nowadays, scammers completely do not care about people’s retirements and much, much more. Your Medicare history is important to keep in good standing–free of fraudulent use. Some scenarios even have victims going to jail! Here are some tools to coping with Medicare fraud.

Florida Leads the Nation courtesy of Openverse

Special Feature: Basic Questions – Medicare Fraud

According to both The Motley Fool and AARP, there is still almost record amount of fraud going on, for the last year, right now, and probable for the near unforeseeable future. Keep an eye out on your Medicare statements, and report any discrepancies and/or inconsistencies. Medicare fraud is at an all-time high, and Florida is one of a handful of states that is claimed to be a high reporting state for instances of Medicare fraud.

Are You Are A Victim of Medicare Fraud:
Medicare Fraud

• Did the stolen identity lead to problems with Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance issues? If your identity is stolen in connection with Medicare, Medicaid and insurance, you could be on the hook very hard. Remember, when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit Medicare fraud or other crimes, you will need to have all documentation as to the dates/times in question, and unfortunately have consistency in order to have the case civilly settled. If it becomes a criminal matter, insist on obtaining legal counsel! Even though you are not at fault, your having a lawyer is paramount at obtaining and reserving all of your legal rights as a citizen. Due process needs to be observed on both your level as being listed a defendant just as it would be the state being a plaintiff. Therefore if you are a victim to this and are under an arrest:
  1. Insist on having a lawyer either called or appointed. Because in these cases, it is not your fault, not having a lawyer present is never in your best interest. Do not answer any questions. Exercise your right to remain silent!
  2. Talk to your lawyer about every detail. You have a right to talk to your lawyer without any surveillance and in privacy. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether it is an issue with insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and be able to assist in reserving your rights.
  3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions to a tee. They will assist in rectifying the problem and later on when it comes to restitution. Also they can provide much information in proper restoration as far as credit and other issues. Because this has become a criminal matter, all criminal actions need to be paired with civil action properly. Therefore you really need your lawyer in order to do civil action as well, so that your rights both civilly and criminally are not violated. Never assume action civilly, because civil action can supersede criminal action, and a criminal case could be capsized by your subsequent civil action. Always follow your lawyers advice!

If you are not arrested:

1. 1. Read the parodical: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10111-Protecting-Yourself-and-Medicare.pdf Protect your Medicare by protecting your Medicare number

1. 1.  or call the Medicare customer service (1-800-MEDICARE): (800) 633-4227.

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      They may or may not be able to assist. They will never give you legal advice but they are obligated to assist in providing you with information on finding the right department to pursue action., and recommend the proper department to call if it is a Medicaid issue.

   2. If this is an private insurance issue, please adhere to your insurance booklet that states your rights under policy holder.
   3. Every case is very different, so make sure that you protect your rights and have legal counsel on standby. hiring a reputable lawyer who deals with Medicare and insurance issues can assist you dramatically. Your lawyer not only be able to rectify the issues, but also will also be able to assist in suing for damages.

Photo by niu niu on Unsplash

Largest Scale Scams of Today

The 20 current items to avoid as the holidays approach (not in order, as the order changes constantly):

1. Advance fee scams, including sales for being released from time-shares
2. Tech Support Scams
3. Phishing attempts: watch your emails and texts and scams
4. Stolen identity (Multiple methods)
5. Emergency Scams, including AI voice cloning of relatives
6. IRS or Government Imposter Scams
7. Foreign Money Exchange Scams
8. Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
9. Utility company scams
10. Bogus Debts
11. Home Repair Scams
12. Business Opportunities or Employment Scams
13. Shopping Sprees
14. Ticket scams
15. Zelle scamming started with Bank of America and has meandered to several other banks
16. Unemployment scams: watch your mail for government issued income statements to file your tax return
17. Fake Cures: there really is no easy way
18. Malicious “apps”: research and trust before going the the Play Store or Google Play, and especially manually installing with an .apk file
19. Connections to public Wi-Fi: NEVER use a password
20. Social media sharing: watch for cloned accounts

Scammers have been getting more and more desperate with no excuses to come up with the reasons that they do it. Always be careful.

With Scammers, Always Beware:
Never become victim to offers convincing you to do a transaction. If it sound too good to be true, it probably is. I am there to help keep your money in your wallet and safe!

Photo by TheDigitalArtist courtesy of Pixabay

National Report Medicare Fraud Day