Category Archives: Uncategorized

By impersonating law enforcement, scammers intimidate victims into giving up money or personal information. But once a scam becomes widely reported, con artists need to change up their tricks. Watch out for this new twist: scammers using official-looking credentials to gain trust. (Read More)

In any given year, an estimated five to 10% of the entire budget for Medicare is lost to fraudulent billing – often seeking reimbursement for services never provided. These schemes succeed by manipulating Medicare members or stealing and misusing private information. For example, prosecutors say a marketing company used social media and sales calls toContinue reading “Criminals Use You to Steal from Health Care Programs”

Here are seven actual scam phone pitches we’ve logged recently at the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, with names and details changed to protect individuals’ privacy. Can you detect the signs that they are fraudulent? Remember: Impostor fraud, in which criminals pretend to be law enforcement, government officials or other authorities, is now the number 1 type ofContinue reading “7 Scams Reported on AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline”

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in reports of scammers pretending to be from government agencies. While reports slowed since peaking in early 2021, victims lost more than twice as much money, according to new research by Better Business Bureau® (BBB®). BBB warns people to use caution if they are contacted by a government agency demanding moneyContinue reading “BBB Report: Government Impostor Scams Continue to be Costly, new BBB Research Shows”

New reports show that scammers are reviving an old tactic to gain trust. Scammers are emailing and texting pictures of real and doctored law enforcement credentials and badges to prove they are legitimate and scam people out of money. No one in federal law enforcement will send photographs of credentials or badges to demand anyContinue reading “Feds Warn of Impersonation Scams”

As a community, help by looking out for your older neighbors. When in public, be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. If you see this, ask questions or mention gift card scams. You can report these types of scams to the @FTC. #MFPW #MFPWcommunity As a community, how can you helpContinue reading “Medicare Fraud Prevention Week – Day 7”

Health care providers, celebrate Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by talking to patients about health care-related scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes.  Health care providers, remind your patients that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see, like you, and that needed medical items shouldContinue reading “Medicare Fraud Prevention Week – Day 6”

Partners and professionals, celebrate Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by sharing SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to the SMP, and inviting the SMP to speak during a shared event. Identify ways to collaborate on mission-related topics and information. 

Families, take part in Medicare Fraud Prevention week by talking to your loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. #MFPW #MFPWfamily Families, encourage your loved one to check their Medicare statements for fraud, errors, or abuse and never give out their Medicare number over the phone forContinue reading “Medicare Fraud Prevention Week – Day 4”

Caregivers, help by educating yourself and your client or loved one on how to prevent and detect health care fraud, errors, and abuse. Be on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (DME) like boxes of knee braces lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their orContinue reading “Medicare Fraud Prevention Week – Day 3”