Seniors are receiving potentially bogus postcards through the mail telling them their Medicare benefits may have changed, and they may now have to pay a higher cost for their benefits.  They give a name of an insurance company, the agent and the agent’s license number, but the agent and license numbers do not exist.  They are trying to scare you into buying extra insurance coverage that you may not need.

This does not mean that all of these are scams, but some could be nothing more than deceptive marketing tactics.   They are asking for the senior to contact them with their name, DOB, and phone number.  This is being sent now as it is the open enrollment time for Medicare benefits (November 15-December 31). Some companies are just trying to sell their insurance extended policy to cover costs Medicare does not cover.  Before calling anyone, or responding back by mail to anyone, go to your state’s insurance department website and confirm if the company is licensed to do business in the state, as well as the insurance agent is licensed.  In several instances, the name and license number for the agent on the postcard does not exist in the database for the state insurance department. They are trying to sell you a bogus policy which will not pay any benefits, but for which you will be paying for; and could also use your information to steal your identity.

Before you do anything, check it out.  If you do not know how to check to see if a company and agent is licensed in your state, find someone who can.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions of others who could help you.  Always confirm whom you are doing business with before parting with any of your money.  Also know what you are buying.  Do your due diligence, check things out and you won’t be a victim of a scam.  BE AWARE AND BE SAFE.