Posted on March 19th, 2024.

As we age, it's essential to stay vigilant against scams that target the elderly. Unfortunately, healthcare scams are prevalent, preying on the vulnerability and trust of senior citizens.

In this blog post, we'll uncover some of the most common healthcare scams circulating today, empowering you to recognize and avoid them.

Common Healthcare Scams Targeting Senior Citizens

False Medicare Offers

Scammers often pose as Medicare representatives, offering fake services or benefits. They may request personal information, such as your Medicare number, to steal your identity or bill Medicare for services you didn't receive.

Medicare fraud can result in financial loss and compromised personal information, so always verify the legitimacy of any offers or requests for information.

Medical Equipment Fraud

Beware of unsolicited calls or advertisements promoting free or discounted medical equipment, such as braces or mobility aids. These scams may involve billing Medicare for unnecessary items or providing substandard equipment.

Before accepting any medical equipment offer, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's necessary and legitimate.

Phony Prescription Drug Deals

Scammers may advertise counterfeit or unapproved prescription drugs at discounted prices, claiming they're equivalent to expensive medications. Purchasing these drugs can be dangerous, as they may contain harmful ingredients or have no therapeutic effect.

Always obtain prescription medications from licensed pharmacies or reputable healthcare providers to safeguard your health.

Fake Health Insurance Plans

Some fraudsters market sham health insurance plans with low premiums and comprehensive coverage. However, these plans often have limited benefits or fail to provide the coverage promised, leaving policyholders vulnerable to substantial medical expenses.

Verify the legitimacy of health insurance plans through state insurance departments or reputable insurance brokers before enrolling.

Identity Theft through Medical Records

Cybercriminals may target healthcare providers to steal patients' medical information, including personal and financial data. This stolen information can be used to commit identity theft or insurance fraud, leading to financial and reputational harm.

Stay vigilant against suspicious emails or communications from healthcare providers, and report any suspected identity theft to the appropriate authorities.

Fraudulent Health Screenings

Be cautious of unsolicited offers for free health screenings or diagnostic tests. Scammers may use these events to collect personal information, bill Medicare for unnecessary services, or promote fraudulent treatments.

Consult your healthcare provider before participating in any health screenings or tests to ensure their legitimacy and necessity.

Investment Scams Promising Healthcare Profits

Some investment schemes target seniors with promises of high returns from healthcare-related ventures, such as medical breakthroughs or pharmaceutical stocks. However, these scams often involve fraudulent companies or inflated claims, resulting in financial losses for investors.

Exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing in any healthcare-related opportunities.

Charity Scams Exploiting Health Causes

Fraudulent charities may solicit donations for purported healthcare initiatives or medical research projects. However, these scams divert funds to the scammers' pockets rather than supporting legitimate healthcare causes.

Before donating to any charity, verify its legitimacy through reputable sources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.

Home Healthcare Fraud

Scammers may offer home healthcare services at inflated prices or provide substandard care to vulnerable seniors. These fraudulent practices not only exploit patients but also jeopardize their health and well-being.

Research home healthcare agencies thoroughly and seek recommendations from trusted sources before engaging their services.

Misleading Health Information

Beware of misinformation or deceptive health claims promoted online or through alternative healthcare providers. False promises of miracle cures or unproven treatments can lead to wasted time, money, and potentially harmful outcomes.

Consult reputable medical professionals or trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for accurate health information.

Inflated Medical Bills

Review medical bills carefully for errors or unauthorized charges, as some healthcare providers may overcharge or bill for services not rendered. Question any discrepancies and seek clarification from your healthcare provider or insurer to prevent financial exploitation.

Maintain records of medical expenses and payments to detect and dispute fraudulent billing practices.

Senior Identity Theft

Seniors are frequent targets of identity theft schemes, including healthcare-related fraud. Scammers may use stolen personal information to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or insurance coverage in your name, leading to financial liabilities and compromised healthcare.

Protect your personal information by safeguarding documents, shredding sensitive materials, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.

Telephone Scams Impersonating Healthcare Providers

Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to represent healthcare providers or insurance companies. These scammers may pressure you into providing personal information or purchasing unnecessary services over the phone.

Hang up on suspicious callers and contact your healthcare provider or insurer directly to verify the legitimacy of any requests or offers.

Online Pharmacy Scams

Avoid purchasing prescription medications from unlicensed or unverified online pharmacies, as they may sell counterfeit or expired drugs that pose serious health risks. Verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or similar regulatory bodies.

Only obtain prescription medications from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.

Also read: New To Medicare.

Reach out for expert advice

Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in safeguarding yourself against healthcare scams targeting seniors. By recognizing the signs of fraudulent activities and taking proactive measures to protect your personal and financial information, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to these deceitful schemes.

For more information on protecting yourself from elderly scams and healthcare fraud, reach out to OMG I’M 65! at 206-972-1269 or email [email protected]. Learn more about our services.