Before you get excited about free stuff mailed to your address, you should know it could cost you a lot if you’re not careful.
When packages you didn’t order arrive with your name on them, that is a red flag, especially if what’s inside is something medical-related. This is what’s happening to people in the Houston area.
One sign your Medicare number has been compromised
Jennifer Salazar, Executive Director and Vice President of The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas - Education Foundation, joined Amy Davis for an episode of Ask Amy.
They talked about the different types of scams targeting senior citizens right now. One sure sign something might be happening is when you get packages in the mail you didn’t order.
“So, the way the scam works is you get something, and you think, why am I getting this? Well, a lot of times somebody may call you pretending to be, like, from your doctor’s office or someone trying to get your Medicare number. They’re going to charge your Medicare number, then they’re going to send you the equipment that you don’t need. The problem is, what if you need a knee brace in five years, you might not get it,” said Jennifer Salazar, BBB Education Foundation.
Salazar says scammers can call and pretend to be a doctor’s office asking about health concerns. This is a good reason to keep track of all of your medical appointments.
“The biggest thing is looking at your summary notices when you go to the doctor. Call us for a healthcare journal. Write it down in your journal because doctors have up to one year to bill Medicare. What I do write down is when you get your Medicare summary notice, which is every three to four months. Check it. If you don’t remember something, call us. We can get it verified for you.”
- Fraud and scam questions
- BBB Education Foundation
- 713-341-6184
RELATED: Are free health screenings legit?
Romance scam warning
Salazar also warned about romance scams involving seniors. Here’s how it works: An old friend or partner finds you on social media and starts messaging. These thieves often message for months to build trust.
“And then all of a sudden, he needs money because he’s coming to see her. Oh, and she’s so excited because he’s coming to see her, of course. But his car broke down, so she’s going to help him rent a car. And that’s so lovely. She gives him the money, but then nothing. Then another opportunity to come see her. Nothing. She keeps giving money over and over again. She finally cuts it off. And I’m so proud of her, because to actually cut that off takes a lot. Yes. And she was devastated because she finally realized this person’s not real. He’s fake. He’s lying to me and never be embarrassed, ever. Because it’s not your fault. It is not your fault,” said Salazar.
Thieves even take the next step to make the victim believe the relationship is real.
“Anybody can fall for this. But guess what? All of a sudden, she gets a tap on the door. It’s a sheriff’s department with a welfare check. The guy actually calls to have a welfare check. So now all of a sudden, she thinks he’s real. And he cares about her.”
You can see the full Ask Amy episode with Salazar and Amy here.
Email Amy at AskAmy@kprc.com if you have a question or topic idea.
RELATED: More red flags that someone has your personal information