As healthcare becomes more complex, so do the ways scammers exploit older adults. These fraudsters often prey on seniors’ trust in medical providers, their unfamiliarity with complicated insurance processes, and their desire to stay healthy. From fake Medicare calls to fraudulent medical devices, these scams can drain savings, cause emotional distress, and even compromise health.
Understanding how these scams operate is the first step toward protecting yourself and those you love. Here are eight of the most common healthcare scams that target older adults and how you can spot them before they do damage.
1. Medicare Card Scams
One of the most common healthcare scams involves fraudsters posing as Medicare representatives. They call seniors claiming there’s an issue with their Medicare card—perhaps it’s expired or about to be deactivated—and ask for a Social Security number or bank details. Some even offer “free” medical supplies in exchange for personal information.
Once scammers have this information, they can bill Medicare fraudulently or even steal the victim’s identity. Legitimate Medicare representatives will never call unsolicited asking for sensitive information. Remind older adults to hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if they’re concerned.
2. Medical Equipment and Supplies Scams
This scam usually starts with a phone call or ad promising “free” or “no-cost” medical equipment like back braces, wheelchairs, or diabetic supplies. These fraudsters say Medicare will cover it all. Victims provide their Medicare information, only to discover later that the equipment was unnecessary or never arrived, and their insurance was billed for thousands of dollars.
Meanwhile, the scammer pockets the money. To avoid this, seniors should always consult their doctor before ordering medical equipment and only buy from trusted, reputable suppliers.
3. Fake Health Insurance Plans
Older adults often worry about the rising cost of healthcare, making them easy targets for fake health insurance scams. Fraudsters offer policies that sound too good to be true: low monthly premiums, comprehensive coverage, and “exclusive” senior discounts. But when seniors file a claim, they find out the plan doesn’t actually exist, or it’s a worthless discount plan that doesn’t cover anything meaningful.
Seniors should verify any insurance company with their state’s insurance department and never buy a policy without reading the fine print or consulting a trusted family member.
4. Prescription Drug Scams
Prescription drug scams prey on seniors’ need for affordable medication. Fraudsters advertise low-cost or “miracle” drugs online or through telemarketing, often claiming they can ship prescriptions without a doctor’s order. Not only do these scams risk financial loss, but they also jeopardize health, as the drugs may be fake, expired, or dangerous.
Seniors should only buy medications from licensed pharmacies and avoid websites that don’t require a valid prescription. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Bogus Clinical Trials
Clinical trial scams entice seniors with offers of free medical care and financial compensation for participating in studies. Fraudsters collect personal information, including Social Security and bank account numbers, under the guise of “screening.” Sometimes, they also ask for an upfront fee.
Legitimate clinical trials never ask participants to pay, and they’re typically run by universities, hospitals, or reputable research organizations. Seniors should research any clinical trial thoroughly, using resources like ClinicalTrials.gov, and consult their doctor before enrolling.
6. Identity Theft Through Medical Records
Medical identity theft occurs when scammers steal a senior’s personal information to obtain medical care, prescriptions, or insurance reimbursements. Victims may only discover the scam when they get bills for services they never received or when their insurance denies legitimate claims because of fraudulent activity.
This type of scam can be especially difficult to untangle because medical records often involve sensitive, personal information. Seniors should regularly check their Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits for unfamiliar charges and report any suspicious activity immediately.
7. Home Health Care Fraud
With more seniors opting for home health care, fraudulent agencies have seized the opportunity to exploit them. These scammers may bill Medicare or Medicaid for services that were never provided or provide unqualified workers who fail to meet proper standards. Some even convince seniors to sign blank forms, allowing the agency to submit false claims.
To avoid these scams, families should carefully vet any home healthcare provider, check credentials and references, and make sure the agency is Medicare-certified if using Medicare benefits.
8. COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Scams
The pandemic created a perfect storm for healthcare scams targeting older adults. Fraudsters offered fake COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and even cures, often requiring payment or personal information. Some scammers posed as government officials, asking for Social Security numbers or Medicare IDs to “schedule appointments.” Others sold counterfeit vaccination cards or testing kits.
Seniors should remember that legitimate COVID-19 vaccines and tests are typically provided through licensed healthcare providers or government programs, and they never require giving out personal information over the phone or paying cash.
Stay One Step Ahead of Healthcare Scams
Healthcare scams targeting older adults continue to evolve, making it more important than ever to stay vigilant. By understanding how these scams work and discussing them with loved ones, seniors can better protect themselves from financial loss, identity theft, and health risks. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before sharing personal information or money.
Have you or someone you know ever encountered a healthcare scam? How did you handle it? Share your story in the comments below to help others stay informed and safe.
Read More:
Why Some People Are More Susceptible Than Others When It Comes to Scams
Senior Scam Warning: 10 Scams Specifically Target Seniors
Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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