New Medicare cards to deter scammers from targeting seniors

In 2015, a new legislation was passed to remove social security numbers from Medicare cards and distribute a new batch with a unique 11-digit identification number.

These cards are to be distributed by February of next year.

Many seniors are not aware of these new cards and have been falling into M edicare scams.

These scams can be caused by several factors. Younger seniors, who are tech-savvy, are more comfortable with learning how to avoid scams and are not as susceptible. As age increases, seniors are less familiar with technology and become insecure and fearful of what they are being threatened with.

The Social Security Administration will not call you regarding M edicare . If a person calls demanding information, more than likely it’s a scam.

Carol Brown, executive director of Helping Hands of Yuma said, “Don’t think you have to give anybody any information.”

Brown encourages seniors to stray from opening foreign emails or open unusual ads on the computer.

Once you receive your new M edicare card, you are strongly urged to destroy the old card.

If you think a scammer is calling you, ask for their name and callback number and contact the Arizona Attorney General to stop the scammer as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one is being scammed, contact Helping Hands of Yuma at (928) 305-9974 and they will provide resources to connect you to local law enforcement and get help.

You can visit https://www.lynda.com and the Attorney General’s website that offers beneficial resources on how to avoid scams .

“Be brave. Take a stand,” Brown said.