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Protecting your loved ones from Scams: As a caregiver of an older loved one you may need to be proactive in helping your parent/loved one from becoming a victim of fraud. Below are some ideas on how to help your family member to protect their personal information so that they do not become victims of fraud and scams. Telephone Scams: 1) Remind your loved one not to trust that people are who they say they are on the phone. Scammers pretend to be from Medicare, Social Security, law enforcement, etc. They may ask for personal information in order to keep your benefits or to keep you out of jail. These threats are not legitimate. 2) Remind your loved one that if someone on the phone says things like, “You have to pay right now”, “This is time sensitive”, “You won”, “Just pay shipping”, or “I just need you to con- firm your banking or Medicare number”, not to provide it and hang up. 3) Remind your loved one that they have the right to say no and end the call. Computer Scams: 1) Remind your loved one not to respond to emails from people they do not know or to emails they did not expect to receive, especially if they ask for personal information, including So- cial Security, Medicare, banking account or credit card numbers. 2) Remind or help your loved one to install all the security needed and a security updating system. There are many anti-virus programs available, ranging from expensive to free. 3) Remind your loved one that, when mak- ing an online purchase, not to give out their credit card number unless the website is secure and reputable. A tiny icon of a padlock in the web address bar symbolizes a higher level of se- curity. Mail or Media Scams: 1) Set a reminder for when Medicare Sum- mary Notices (MSNs) or Explanations of Bene- fits (EOBs), bank statements, or pension payments should arrive to look over and check for suspicious activity. 2) Take mail that you know is a scam to your post office so they can send it to the postal in- spector. 3) Remind your loved one to never send their Social Security number, Medicare number, or banking information to solicitors. 4) Remind your loved one to never respond to a sweepstakes letter by sending a check to claim a prize. Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare error, fraud, and abuse; DETECT potential error, fraud, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs use trained senior volun- teers to help educate and empower seniors in the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with questions, concerns, or com- plaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational pre- sentations. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Call 1-877-272-8720 or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.org. www.southernsenior.info 11 Senior Medicare Patrol w ww .hchospice.com