How To Stop Medicare Spam Calls
We have all faced it – an enormous number of telemarketer and spam calls. But things go from bad to worse the closer you are to age 65. You will receive more and more calls about Medicare, and you are likely to see a greater influx of calls during enrollment periods like the Annual Enrollment Period.
It is important to remember that Medicare and Social Security will not call you if they need information from you. They will mail you a letter. Keep that in mind when a stranger calls you for information on your Medicare card, Social Security card, or credit or debit card.
You may also receive emails from spammers. If it looks suspicious and is not from a trusted source, always beware before clicking a link in their email or replying.
What Can I Do to Stop It?
The first step to take is to register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call List.
The process to do this takes a matter of seconds. You can call their phone number: 1 (888) 382-1222. The operator will then ask you to press for your language preferences. Then, it will tell you to press:
1 - to verify if your device has been registered before.
2 - to register your device for the Do Not Call list.
3 - to file a complaint (may do so 31 days after registering your device).
You may also register your phone online through the Federal Trade Commission’s website. You will still be able to check and see if your phone was previously registered, but when registering online, it prompts you to enter an email address. You are also able to list three separate phone numbers online at one time – unlike when calling the number listed above to register. If you decide to call-in and register, you must call from each device you plan on registering with the Do Not Call list (if you wanted to register both your landline and cell phone). If you are still receiving spam calls 31 days after registering your phones, you will then have an opportunity to file a complaint either by phone or online.
Another way to stop unwanted calls on your mobile phone, is to download third-party apps used specifically for blocking and screening unwanted callers. Click here to see a list of each one. For best practices, let an unknown call go to voicemail. Once you are able to listen to the voicemail, you will usually be able to tell if it is spam or not.
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What to watch for to determine if the call is spam or not: |
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An incentive is offered |
For example, promising an all-expense paid vacation, Visa gift card, or any other type of monetary gift.
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Use of scare tactics |
For example, saying that your Medicare benefits may be taken away if you do not update your Medicare card information.
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Personal information is requested
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For example, the caller asks for your Medicare card number, Social Security card number, or your credit or debit card information.
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Recorded voice telling you to press a number
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For example, the robocaller asking you to press “1” to speak to a representative. Not all robocallers are scammers. Sometimes, your pharmacy may have a robocaller that makes a call when your medicine is ready for pickup. However, most of the time, a robocaller is a red flag.
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Did you know that CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) have rules for unsolicited contact?
That’s right. CMS prohibits marketing representatives from making unsolicited contact with beneficiaries – including telephone calls.
For example, you met with your MWG Direct advisor about your retirement insurance needs. They went above and beyond helping you prepare for retirement, and you would like to refer your neighbor. So, you give your neighbor’s telephone number to your MWG Direct advisor. The advisor would not be able to contact them (even if they gave you permission to give out their telephone number) because of the CMS guidelines in place. However, you would be able to give the advisor's business card to your neighbor for them to call MWG Direct.
This is why it is important to know who is contacting you, especially when trying to sell you an insurance policy. At MWG Direct, we know and understand communication guidelines and abide by them.
Contacting Your Trusted Source for Medicare and Retirement
If you are retiring soon or eligible for Medicare and looking for a trusted source to help walk you through Medicare and retirement, please feel free to reach out to us by email at direct@morganwhite.com or call (877) 759-5762 opt. 2. If you would like to request a Medicare Supplement quote online, click here to visit our website.