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Medicare Part D Scam Alert

By John W. Davis
June 18, 2010 Updated Jun 10, 2010 at 10:15 PM EDT

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - We have a scam alert you need to know about... Scam artists are using Medicare Part D rebate checks as an opportunity to rip off seniors and people with disabilities.

This particular scam warning is important because the rebate checks will be mailed out automatically without an application process.

So if anyone contacts you asking for your personal information to make sure you are eligible for the Medicare Part D rebate, it is a scam.

Starting Thursday, June 10, some Medicare Part D beneficiaries will receive a one-time check for $250 dollars.

They money is meant to close the coverage gap, helping people pay for drug prescriptions.

But some crooks are using the rebate to scam your personal information.

The scam artists have been known to call, e-mail or even knock on your front door.

But the Better Business Bureau says if someone questions your medicare rebate eligibility, it is a scam.

"Some people I know that got calls quite a while back saying that hey for 299 dollars you can sign up and you can have this plan b give us your credit card, give us your bank routing number," said Marjorie Stephens of the Northern Indiana Better Business Bureau.

"Actually some people in other states that did fall for that and before this one lady had the opportunity to close out her banking account they had taken that money out," said Stephens.

Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau says no Medicare Part D scams have been reported in Northeast Indiana.

However, the BBB has one more tip concerning e-mails or people coming to your door.

Experts say even if they look official, ask for credentials, identification and their phone number.

Take notes and then check all that information with the Medicare office to help stop Medicare fraud.




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