Medicare scam calls and emails spark warnings to seniors
Reports of Medicare scam calls and emails have surged in recent weeks, with dozens of viewers contacting the 8 On Your Side team daily about these incidents.
Fake Medicare termination email emerges
Some individuals have reported receiving dozens of scam calls a day, and this week, a new threat emerged in the form of an email claiming to be from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The email falsely states that the recipient’s Medicare coverage has been terminated effective immediately and includes a link to “find out why” and outlines supposed next steps.
Fortunately, the specific link in this email has been disabled, but experts warn that other emails with dangerous links could still appear.
“Medicare does not call people—so just hang up the phone,” said Brian Roche, 8 On Your Side consumer investigator.
How to spot and handle the scam
Roche explained that the email is designed to cause panic, which is exactly what scammers aim to achieve. He advised recipients to carefully examine the sender’s email address, which in this case was “download-space-mediacare at googale.com,” a clear indication that it is not associated with CMS. Additionally, the email does not address recipients by their first and last names, another red flag.
Most importantly, Roche emphasized that Medicare does not communicate via email if there is an issue with an account. Instead, it sends official letters.
“If you get this email, don’t panic; just delete it,” Roche said.