New Medicare Scam Targeting Vulnerable Senior Population

GOSHEN – Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Office of the Aging Director Ann Marie Maglione, are issuing a warning to the public of a new scam targeting our senior population. The newest scheme is conducted by scammers who prey on senior citizens by calling them on the phone and telling them they are from “Medicare Shipping”, and in order for the senior to receive their free delivery of items, such as back and knee braces, the senior is required to provide their Medicare number and date of birth. The caller then tells the senior that if they do not provide this information, they will be billed hundreds of dollars in re-stocking fees. The scammers ask the senior to give vital information they need to complete the fraud, such as the doctor’s name and/or other information listed on the label of prescription bottles. The callers are persistent and may call several times per day in an effort to break down the senior to give in to their request.

Sheriff DuBois advises, “If you feel you have been targeted by scammers, report it right away. Please do not feel embarrassed. We understand that these criminals prey upon you, and we want to put an end to their scams.”

In an initiative to remove social security numbers from Medicare cards, the federal government began sending out new cards last year. The new cards are free and sent by mail.

Medicare will not call you and ask to confirm your card number, nor will they ask you for your social security number and date of birth over the phone. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Seniors should never, ever give personal information over for phone. If someone asks for personal information, they should hang up immediately. Do not engage them. Never accept any offer over the phone. Request they put it in writing or ask for their phone number and call them back. Both of these requests almost always result in the scammer hanging up.

“Remember, this isn’t some kid calling with a script. These are professional thieves who likely do this for a living. If it sounds too good to be true, it is probably not true”, added Director Maglione.

Register your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry accepts registrations from both cell phones and land lines. To register by telephone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).

District Attorney David Hoovler reminds all those who suspect fraudulent activity to, “Report it immediately to your local police, the Sheriff’s Office or the State Police.”

Below are a few resources available to the public in Orange County:
• 845-615-3710 Office for the Aging’s NYConnects – For information about fraudulent scams.
o Ann Marie Maglione – Director
o 40 Matthew St, Suite 305, Goshen, NY 10924
• 845-615-6700 Consumer Affairs – Investigates claims.
o Chuck Mitchell – Director
o 255 Main St, Floor 1, Goshen, NY 10924
• 845-291-2050 Orange County District Attorney’s Office
o David M. Hoovler – District Attorney
o 255 Main St, Floor 4, Goshen, NY 10924
• 845-291-7900 Orange County Sheriff’s Office
o Carl E. DuBois – Sheriff
o OCNYSheriff@orangecountygov.com
o 110 Wells Farm Rd, Goshen, NY 10924
• 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) Do Not Call Registry
o Register your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry
o Accepts registrations from both cell phones and land lines.
o You must call from the phone number that you want to register.
o To register online, donotcall.gov, you will have to respond to a confirmation email.