Look Out: Open Enrollment Scams
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it's also Medicare open enrollment season. Unfortunately, that also means it's prime time for scammers who want to steal your money or personal information. Whether they're using sophisticated online tactics or pretending to be Medicare representatives, these criminals are out to get unsuspecting targets, especially older adults. But don't worry — being informed and vigilant can make all the difference. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
Scams on the Rise: What to Watch Out For
As technology becomes more advanced, so do scammers' tactics. As reported by ABC News, according to Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, "Scams have become so sophisticated now. Phishing emails, texts, spoofing caller ID, all of this technology gives scammers that edge." Whether it's a suspicious link in an email or a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, scammers know how to make their communications look legitimate.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that they receive frequent reports of scam calls and texts, often pretending to be from Medicare providers. During open enrollment, it's crucial to be cautious of anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Scammers might offer "free gifts" or "health screenings" to make their pitches seem more genuine, but don't be fooled. The best way to make changes to your healthcare plan is by going directly to official websites like Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov. If you're ever unsure about a call or think you may have given out personal information to a scammer, call 1-800-MEDICARE immediately to report it.
Understanding Scammers' Tricks: The Three Tactics to Watch For
As reported by ABC News, Petros Efstathopoulos, a security expert, outlines three common tactics that scammers use: fear, urgency, and money. These strategies are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information or making a quick, uninformed decision. Here's how they work:
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Fear: Scammers might contact you via phone or email, telling you there's a serious problem you need to fix immediately. For example, you might get an email claiming there's an issue with your tax return, and if you don't act fast, you could be in trouble. These fear-based tactics are designed to make you panic and act without thinking.
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Urgency: Hand-in-hand with fear, scammers love to create a sense of urgency. They may say you need to respond right away, which can make people rush and share private information without double-checking. If someone tells you to act fast, it's always a good idea to stop and think, then verify their claims.
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Money: Money is a common bait. Scammers might pose as tax professionals, promising you a bigger refund if you share your Social Security number or other details. During Medicare open enrollment, scammers could offer you "better deals" or "discounts" to try and steal your information.
Protect Yourself: Follow These Safety Tips
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Stay Suspicious: It's always good to be a little cautious, especially online. As reported by ABC News, Alissa Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, says, "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected." If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, and messages, particularly if they ask for personal information.
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Don't Trust Unknown Contacts: Scammers often pretend to be authority figures, like Medicare representatives or tax professionals. During open enrollment, they might claim to offer help with your healthcare plan. As reported by ABC News, James Lee, COO at the Identity Theft Resource Center, advises, "If you get a robocall out of the blue playing a recorded message trying to get you to buy something, just hang up." The same goes for suspicious texts. If you're at all unsure, hang up and call the company directly using an official number.
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Go Directly to Official Sources: During Medicare open enrollment, make any changes to your plan directly on Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts, as these could lead to scam websites. If in doubt, call 1-800-MEDICARE to ensure you're getting accurate information.
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Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly checking your credit report and bank statements can help you spot any unauthorized activity. Using a password manager and enabling multi-factor authentication can also add extra layers of security, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts.
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Educate Yourself and Others: If you've learned how to spot scams, share that knowledge. Help your friends, neighbors, and family members understand the risks, especially if they're less tech-savvy. Velasquez recommends seeking help if you're ever unsure stating, "Organizations like the Identity Theft Protection Center and the AARP Fraud Watch Network offer free services for customers who need help identifying scams or knowing what to do if you've been a victim of a scam."
Report Scams: Don't Let the Scammers Win
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, don't stay silent. Reporting scams helps authorities track down and shut down these fraudulent operations. You can file a report on the FTC's website or call 1-800-MEDICARE to share your concerns.
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people, but by staying informed, you can outsmart them. Take control of your security, trust only reliable sources, and remember to report anything suspicious. Stay safe this Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond.
References: Scam calls, texts increase during Medicare open enrollment period | October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Here's how to stay safe from scams
