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State cautions Medicare members about fraudulent phone calls

HONOLULU (KHNL) - The State's Medicare fraud prevention program is warning Medicare members about a phone scam.

SMP Hawaii says there have been a number of fraudelent phone calls made to Hawaii seniors from scammers who claim they represent Medicare, and ask for personal information.

In one incident, the caller says he needs information from the Medicare member in order to mail a new Medicare card.

SMP Hawaii says Medicare is not issuing new cards unless the person with Medicare requests a replacement.

In another incident, the caller tells the Medicare member if he or she makes a one-time lump sum payment, Medicare premium deductions from the member's Social Security benefits check will stop forever.  To accept the offer, all the member has to do is provide a bank account number.

SMP Hawaii says Medicare members should never volunteer personal information.

"Our kupuna need to protect their personal information and avoid becoming a victim of fraud," said Noemi Pendleton, director of the Executive Office of Aging.

SMP Hawaii also says Medicare does not sell products or services.

Members can report any fraudulent calls to SMP Hawaii at (808) 586-7281 or (800) 296-9422.

Members who think they may have given their bank account number to a scam artist, should call their bank immediately.