Phone scam targets seniors on Medicare

Seniors are advised to be aware of a telephone scam where callers offer a new Medicare card for $379, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare has reported 250 complaints about the phone scam to federal law enforcement officials. Callers say they are from Pharma Corp., National Medical Office, Medicare National Office, or National Medicare.

The phone scam is not connected to bogus prescription drug plans with Part D, said Lee Millman, a spokeswoman with CMS in Atlanta. Instead, the scam is focused on new Medicare cards and the seniors are asked to give bank account information.

Anyone receiving such a call should contact law enforcement at 1-877-7SAFERX, or 1-877-772-3379.

Medicare officials advise seniors to heed protection measures by not allowing anyone uninvited into their homes and to not give bank account or other personal information over the phone.

Legitimate Medicare drug plans will not ask for payment over the phone or the Internet. They must send a bill to beneficiaries for monthly premiums.