Protection Against Scammers During Medicare Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment doesn’t start until October 15. However, it’s crucial to be vigilant well in advance because scammers are already working behind the scenes before that date.

These scammers have specialized strategies. By the time open enrollment arrives, they are not just beginning their efforts; they are completing them. Fall scam calls typically include fake Medicare card offers and fictitious Social Security warnings. These calls are only the final stage as scammers often compile their target lists long before making any contact.

How Scammers Target Victims

Scammers use data before making contact. They often build lists based on consumer data. Fraudsters use marketing data to identify potential victims.

“The scam calls you may hear this fall are only the final step.”

Public dates around Medicare Open Enrollment make it easier for scammers to plan their activities. Two key dates, October 15 for Medicare Open Enrollment and October 14, 2026, for Social Security COLA announcements, provide scammers with predictable windows to target the elderly with fake benefit offers.

Scammer Targeting Techniques

The targeting process by scammers is methodical and done in advance. Consumer databases are a main source for identifying potential victims. Epsilon Data Management, for example, maintained a database covering 100 million American households and was implicated in selling consumer information to fraudsters.

Marketing companies were found to have supplied fraud operations with targeted consumer lists to run scams. These lists, often curated based on demographics, help scammers better target and contact older Americans.

Reducing Exposure to Scammers

Personal information sits on data broker sites, making it easy for scammers to tailor their approach using the details available from these sources.

A purchased list gives the scammer basic information. However, combining these lists with details from people-search sites can create a convincing story.

• Check your exposure online using sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, and more.
• Submit opt-out requests to data broker sites early.
• Consider using automated data removal services.
• Set a family password to verify calls using code words.
• Update security questions for sensitive accounts.

Beginning the process to protect your information before autumn is crucial. Brokers often process requests gradually, making it strategic to act before scammers start contacting potential victims.

Statistics and Impacts

The FBI’s data shows significant financial loss due to scammers utilizing personal information available online. Data-facilitated crimes increased, highlighting the importance of guarding personal details.

The Federal Trade Commission warns of scammers becoming more active around Medicare Open Enrollment, posing as Medicare representatives and claiming urgent action is required.

Social Security COLA increases, like Medicare cards, are automatic. Any communication demanding payment or information for activation could be a scam.