Medicare beneficiaries target of latest identity theft scheme

At least seven people in Idaho with Medicare have been the target of a scheme that tries to steal personal information from seniors and people with disabilities.

Scammers using the so-called “$299 Ring” scheme will call Medicare beneficiaries and say they will provide a new Medicare card for a fee, according to the Idaho Commission on Aging. The new card is reported to cover vision and dental insurance.

Many scammers now are asking for more than $299 for the fake card, commission officials said. Some have asked for $379, $350 or $365. They also request bank account information to withdraw the funds automatically.

Federal law enforcement officials said they have received 250 reports nationwide of attempts to steal Medicare beneficiaries’ funds. At least seven attempts were reported in Idaho.

Scammers have used the names of fictitious companies that sounds authentic, such as Pharma Corp., National Medical Office, Medicare National Office and National Medicare.

Comment: It's terrible that fraud perpetrators prey on the weak and uninformed. Like any crime, perpetrators will go after easy targets first.

This particular case can be classed as business identity theft, as the scammers use the ruse they represent known firms when contacting the victims.


Henry
Protect-My-Info.com