Local scam targeting Medicare recipients

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) -A local scam is targeting Medicare recipients. Yuma Police department partnered with Onvida Health to inform the community about what you need to look out for so you’re not the next victim.

“The fraud impacts the most vulnerable in our community which is the elderly community on Medicare,” said Jesse with Onvida Health.

Yuma Police say if you receive a phone call from a scammer, never ever give them your personal information.

“If anything sounds fishy or doesn't seem right, always call — hang up,” Sgt. Lori Franklin advised.

Scammers are placing calls that appear to come from an Onvida Health phone number. During these calls, individuals falsely claim that a patient’s Medicare card has expired and request personal information to “verify” or “update” records.

Yuma Police say this is what you need to do if you get one of these calls.

“Call Medicare. Hang up. Call Onvida. Hang up. And call us so we can look into it,” Sgt. Lori Franklin said.

Medicare will never call to verify a card number over the phone, and Medicare cards do not expire.

Onvida Health is working with Yuma Police to make sure locals know about this scam.

“Always look into it, but again you can always call us. You can call the hospital. You can always call whatever company you think is trying to scam you and verify it through them,” Sgt. Lori Franklin said.

If you receive a phone call from a scammer, never ever give out your personal information.

“Just because caller ID says it's somebody, you have to use your best judgment on that. With technology progressing, it's easier to take advantage of people because people just have a trust for things they have in their life,” Jesse with Onvida Health warned.

Scam artists have the ability to create false caller IDs. It's important to trust your gut if you feel like something's fishy. Remember: Medicare will never be the first to call you.