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Crooks, COVID scams to be aware of

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News from Area VI Agency on Aging 

LAKE COUNTY – Scammers are playing the same old song, new verse. They are still trying any way they can to get your personal information. 

The latest versions revolve around COVID-19. Callers may claim they need your Medicare number or Social Security number to send you free masks, home testing kits, “cures” or protective equipment. Neither Medicare nor Social Security will call asking for your number. They have your number. They will contact you by mail if they have reason. 

Watch out for calls, text messages or emails offering anything for free in exchange for your personal or banking information or offering to sell you the latest version of good old snake oil. Crooks want to take advantage of fear or misinformation in the current pandemic to steal money from you or from Medicare (which in the long run is also stealing money from you). There are also a lot of fake charities making appeals for money.

Don’t respond to such messages. If you want to check out a real charity, get the number of an agency or charity from a safe source, not any numbers they may give you. You can report suspected fraud to 1-800-Medicare or to your local Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-551-3191.

If you have questions about current pandemic information, or if you need help accessing goods or services while staying safe, call Area VI Agency on Aging at 406-883-7284 or 1-800-551-3191.

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