AG Labrador warns older Idahoans: ‘Hang Up’ on Medicare phone scams

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leadership is warning older Idahoans to "hang up" the phone on a new scam targeting residents enrolled in the federal health insurance program.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a consumer alert on Wednesday following a surge of complaints to his Consumer Protection Division involving fraudulent Medicare calls.

According to the Attorney General’s office, scammers are using "spoofed" local phone numbers to appear legitimate. Callers typically claim that the victim's Medicare card has expired, been lost, or requires immediate account verification. Labrador says the scammer's goal is to convince vulnerable adults to turn over sensitive personal data, for example, their Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth.

With that information, Labrador says the criminals can bill Medicare for services and supplies that were never provided, costing taxpayers millions.

“My Consumer Protection Division has seen a surge in complaints from Idaho families, and we want seniors and their families to know how these scams work before they become victims,” said Attorney General Labrador. “No one from Medicare will ever call you to ask for your number."

The AG's office reminds Idahoans that official Medicare communication arrives via U.S. mail. Medicare will never call you out of the blue to:

• Request sensitive personal information
• Charge fees for replacement cards
• Demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or cash

What to Do If You Get a Call:

• Hang up IMMEDIATELY and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly to verify
• Do not provide your Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth
• Do not make any payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer

If you have received a suspicious call or believe you have been targeted by Medicare fraud, report it immediately at ReportScamsIdaho.com or contact local law enforcement.