SCAM ALERT
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December 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDICARE IS NOT CALLING YOU
MISSOULA, MT (November 30, 2023) Missoula Aging Services (MAS) received information
about an active scam targeting older adults in Missoula. In the report, several individuals
received multiple calls last week from someone claiming to be from Medicare with what looked
like a local number. This could be a trend in other areas and the Agency would like to remind
Medicare recipients to be aware: Medicare does not need to verify your information to get you
more benefits.
October 15 through December 7 is a particularly busy time with Medicare Open Enrollment, and
the fraudsters know it. They take advantage of the annual open enrollment period to try and
scam individuals out of their Medicare number.
Statewide Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program Director at MAS, Renee Labrie-Shanks,
shared the following, "Medicare will never call people on Medicare to ask for or check their
Medicare number. As with any unsolicited call, do not give personal information over the phone,
whether it's your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account information, or your
full birthday. Scammers are looking for missing pieces of information to steal your identity.”
Labrie-Shanks added, “To protect yourself from scammers, do not answer your phone if you
don't recognize the number. If it's important, they will leave a voicemail. Also, always read your
Medicare Summary Notices or Medicare Advantage EOB's, especially if you've been receiving
calls like these. It may indicate you've already been targeted.”
If you think you've been a victim of Medicare fraud, call Montana Senior Medicare
Patrol: (800) 551-3191 or visit the website: smpresource.org for more information.
About Missoula Aging Services:
Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who
care for them.
For over 40 years, Missoula Aging Services has empowered thousands of older adults, their families and
caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live
independently at home, for as long as possible.
Find out more: missoulaagingservices.org
About Montana SMP:
Montana SMP is a program coordinated by Missoula Aging Services and partnered with local Area
Agencies on Aging. This project was supported by grant #90MPPG0052 from the U.S. Administration for
Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C., 20201. Points of view
or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps to educate Medicare beneficiaries about ways to prevent,
detect, and combat Medicare fraud. For more information about Medicare fraud, visit the website at
smpresource.or
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