Reports of scam callers posing as legitimate entities have surged in recent weeks
MISSOULA, Mont. — Missoula Aging Services urgently warns the public about scam calls that aim to collect personal information from consumers. In recent weeks, reports have surged describing scam callers posing as legitimate entities, including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare, other government agencies, banks, or tech support. Scammers claim to need personal details for verification purposes, such as birthdates, and use high-pressure tactics to trick victims into revealing more sensitive information, including Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account details, and passwords. Increasingly sophisticated fraudulent activities require individuals to remain vigilant and informed.
Montana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) director Renee Labrie-Shanks says, “A red flag for any unsolicited call is asking for personal information. We urge everyone to be cautious and to think twice before sharing any personal information over the phone.”
The SMP can help all members of the public with questions, concerns, or complaints about potential healthcare fraud and abuse or billing issues. Educational presentations and informational materials are also available. The Montana SMP office is housed within Missoula Aging Services at 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, Montana 59801. For assistance, concerned citizens can email [email protected] or call (406)728-0581. Visit misoulaagingservices.org. for additional resources including SMP advocates at partner organizations across the state and information about SMP in other states.
Key Warning Signs of Scam Calls:
- Unsolicited Calls: Be wary of unexpected calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller claims to be from a reputable organization that you weren’t expecting a call from.
- High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly or risk losing something valuable.
- Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for sensitive information over the phone unless you call them and they need to confirm who they are speaking with.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Hang Up: If you suspect a call is a scam, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller.
- Verify: Look up the official number of the organization and call them directly to confirm if the call was legitimate. For instance, if it sounds real, listen to why they say they want the information. Then say, “I’m going to call back using the phone number on my Medicare card. What should I tell them to get connected to the right department to handle this?”
- Report the Call: Report suspicious Medicare fraud calls to MT SMP at 1-800-551-3191 in Montana, and other calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
About Missoula Aging Services:
Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them. Missoula Aging Services empowers thousands of older adults, their families and caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live independently at home, for as long as possible.
Montana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a statewide program that works to support and protect Medicare recipients from fraud and abuse, and partners with local Area Agencies on Aging to provide accurate information to Montanans. This project was supported by grant #90MPPG0052 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C., 20201. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL policy. E5P
