Medicare Phone Scam Hits the Gulfshore

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has received reports from local seniors who were called by the "National Medical Office." The telemarketers insist seniors need new ‘verification card numbers’ from Medicare, and then ask seniors to disclose their checking account information.

According to complaints received by Medicare, the bank account numbers are used to electronically withdraw money from consumers’ accounts. The phone number given by the company is identified with a P.O. Box in Champlain, NY on the Canadian border.

According to the Buffalo Better Business Bureau, the company has an unsatisfactory rating due to unanswered complaints.

ABC 7 Works For You with Tips to Protect Against Medicare Scams:
--Don't let anyone come into your house uninvited.
--Don't provide personal information during marketing activities.
--Never give out your Medicare number (social security number) and personal financial #'s.
--Legitimate Medicare drug plans will not ask for payment over the telephone or the Internet. They must send a monthly bill.
--If you have questions or concerns about any activity regarding Medicare,
call 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).