Medicare Prescription Fraud Alert

The US Department of Health & Human Services issued a consumer alert for seniors and people with disabilities. A scam known as the "$299 Ring" has emerged. This is where a telephone call is received by an elder who is asked for $299 and checking account information in order to enroll in a fake prescription drug plan. The victims are talked into giving bank account and other personal information over the telephone.

Legitimate Medicare drug plans will not ask for payment over the telephone or Internet. The drug programs bill for the monthly premium, typically as an automatic withdrawal from the monthly Social Security Check.

Any questions or concerns about Medicare or a drug plan can be answered by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

(Thanks to the National Association of Bunco Investigators for forwarding this alert.)