Beware of Medicare Scams in Colorado

Posted on by Jane

Fraud Bulletin

Beware of Medicare Scams in Colorado

Medicare scams are on the rise in Colorado, with fraudsters trying to steal personal information and bill Medicare for services you don’t need. Common scams include medical equipment fraud, genetic testing fraud, hospice fraud, impersonation schemes and fake plan offers.

Watch out for warning signs like unsolicited contact, requests for sensitive information, offers that seem too good to be true such as “free” medical equipment or services, high-pressure tactics or unexpected requests for payment.

Protect yourself by guarding your Medicare number. Never share your number unless you are absolutely certain of the identity of the person or organization requesting it. Review your Medicare statements regularly and, if you receive a call or email, verify the identity of the person who contacted you. If you’re uncertain, seek help from trusted sources like family members or organizations that specialize in fraud prevention.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam, there are several ways to report it:

  • Colorado Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) — 888-696-7214
  • 1-800-MEDICARE — 800-633-4227
  • AARP ElderWatch — 800-222-4444, option 2
  • US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General

800-447-8477 or https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/

Staying informed and cautious is your best defense.

5 RED FLAGS OF A SCAM

If you receive an unexpected call and notice any of the following signs, it’s likely a scam:

Fear Tactics – If your first reaction is “Oh no!” — pause. Scammers often use fear to catch you off guard and push you into acting quickly.
Requests for Personal Information –Are they asking to “verify” your full Social Security number, bank account details, or other private info? Legitimate organizations don’t ask for sensitive information over the phone like this.
Urgent Payment Demands Do they say they “can help you”—but only if you pay right now over the phone? Pressure to pay immediately is a major red flag.
Gift Card Payments –If they ask you to buy gift cards and read off the numbers—stop. No legitimate company, government agency, or lawyer will ever request payment this way.
Secrecy– Are they telling you to keep the call a secret or not to tell anyone? That’s a classic scam tactic meant to isolate you from help or advice.