Avoiding Scams

Fraud and scams can happen to anyone – but they don’t have to. Fraud prevention advertising, as shown here, is designed to make New Mexicans aware of the prevalence of fraud, empower people to recognize of suspicious activities and potentially exploitive situations by responding with three actions: detect, protect, and report.

There are many types of fraud, from romance scams to medical fraud. See more information below about preventing Medicare fraud and sign up to receive scam alerts. When in doubt, trust your instincts and report suspicious activity.

Health Care Fraud Prevention

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) works with Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Call the SMP for assistance  1-800-432-2080. Click here for more information.

There are three steps to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse:
 

1. Protect

• Treat your Medicare ID number like a credit card number.
• Only give your Medicare ID number to your trusted Medicare providers.
• Never give out your Medicare ID number over the phone. Medicare will not call and ask for it.
• Do not carry your Medicare card unless you need it for an appointment.

2. Detect

• Keep a record of your medical visits, tests, and procedures in a health care journal. The SMP can provide a health care journal to you. Call 1-800-432-2080.
• Review your Medicare statements. Look for the following:
  1. Services not provided.
  2. Services that are different from provided.
  3. Billing for the same thing twice.
  4. Services that are not medically necessary.

3. Report

• If you detect questionable information on your Medicare statement, call Medicare and the provider to rule out an error (if you know and trust the provider).
• If you are not comfortable calling Medicare and the provider or you are not satisfied with the response, call the New Mexico SMP at 1-800-432-2080.

Additional Resources

• The Return of Genetic Testing Scams in Medicare Fraud
• Protect Yourself Against Medicare Fraud
• Senior Medicare Patrol: 3 Tips to Help Prevent Medicare Fraud for Beneficiaries
• How to Use a My Health Care Tracker
• How to Read Your Medicare Summary Notice
• Feds Warn About Urinary Catheter Scams
• Consumer Alert: Urinary Catheter Scams
• NM SMP Catheter Scam Alert Flyer
• CMS Agent Broker Dos and Don’ts
• SSA Scam Alert: Don’t Hand Off Cash to "Agents"

Medical Discount Plans

Discount plans are not health insurance. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for their online fact sheet.

Scam Alerts

Aging and Long-Term Services, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Justice, has established Scam Alert notifications. Please fill out the form below if you wish to receive Scam Alert notices.

Learn more about fraud and scam prevention and identity theft on nmdoj.gov.

Beware of Fraud Schemes Associated with COVID-19 Scams

As awareness about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they often target these more vulnerable populations. Click the link below to learn more.

Coronavirus Scams Fraud Alert

What scams target senior citizens?

• Identity Theft
• Health Care and Health Insurance Fraud
• Telemarketing Fraud
• Internet Scams
• Sweepstakes Scams
• And Many Others

How do I protect myself and loved ones from scammers?

View the following resources for information and tips on avoiding Social Security scams

• The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action.
  • Download the Slam the Scam - SCAM ALERT for important information to protect yourself from scams.
• Social Security is here to help. 
  • Download the How to Get Help from Social Security brochure to learn how to get the service you need and to be prepared so we can help you as quickly and safely as possible.

Important Tips for Avoiding Scams:

• Do not wire money to anyone unless you are absolutely sure it is someone you know and trust. Once wired funds are picked up, there is very little law enforcement can do to retrieve the money.
• Unless you made the contact, do not give out your personal information.

• Do not send a check, cash, or money order to anyone insisting upfront immediate payment before a service is rendered and never give out your account information.
• When selling anything online, beware of anyone who wants to overpay and asks you to reimburse the difference.

Visit the links below for more help:

• AARP Consumer Protection
• Guide Star’s Non-Profit and Charities Search
• Better Business Bureau
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• State of New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
• New Mexico Securities Division
• US Securities and Exchange Commission