Understood Care
When our advocate Debbie visited a local community center, she noticed a wall of framed examples of common scams. Charity fraud. Grandkid and family scams. Unwanted calls and texts. Imposters. Health insurance scams. Job scams. Business impersonations. It was a simple idea with a powerful reminder. Scammers are professionals. They practice pressure and secrecy. Many people fall for them. If you are ever unsure, speak up before you respond. Most real organizations will not contact you out of the blue to ask for money or personal details. That simple pause can protect you.
As a patient advocacy group, we see how often these scams touch older adults and caregivers. We are here to help you sort out what is real, report what is not, and recover your peace of mind. If something feels off, tell a trusted person and contact an advocate. You do not have to deal with this alone.
You can reach an advocate here
https://understoodcare.com/advocates
Do not respond right away
If an email or call is unfamiliar, pause. Do not click links. Do not give information. Talk to someone first. Share what happened so you can decide next steps together. That short conversation can stop a scam in its tracks.
Know the signs of a scam
Get help
You can learn more about our advocate support
https://understoodcare.com/healthcare-info/advocates-and-support-services
You may be asked to give after a disaster or during the holidays. Slow down. Real charities will not pressure you to pay by gift card or wire. Verify the charity’s tax status before you give. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and review the organization’s filings.
What to do next
Someone calls and says Grandma I am in trouble. I need money for bail or a medical bill. They may even use a voice that sounds like your loved one. Voice cloning can make these calls very convincing. Always call a known number for your family member or another relative to confirm. Never keep it secret.
What to do next
Scammers use caller ID spoofing to look local or to appear as a known company or agency. Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry and use call blocking tools from your phone provider. Do not answer unknown numbers. If you pick up, do not say yes and do not press buttons. Hang up.
What to do next
No real government office will demand payment by gift card or crypto. The Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, and other agencies do not call to threaten you or demand immediate payment. Businesses can be impersonated too. Contact the agency or company using a number you find yourself.
What to do next
Scammers may claim you need a new Medicare card or that your benefits will be canceled unless you confirm your number. Medicare will not call to ask for your Medicare number or payment. Review your Medicare Summary Notice and Explanation of Benefits for unfamiliar charges. Report suspected fraud right away.
What to do next
Scammers send texts or messages promising easy remote work or quick pay for simple tasks. They may ask you to pay a fee to apply, buy equipment, or move money for them. Real employers do not charge you to get a job. Do not pay to get paid.
What to do next
Call your bank or card issuer right away
Ask them to stop or reverse the transaction if possible. Change your online banking password and turn on alerts.
If you gave personal information
Save everything
Keep emails, texts, and receipts. Write down the date, time, amount, who contacted you, and what they said. This helps with reports.
Ask for support
An advocate can help you make calls, fill out forms, and follow up.
https://understoodcare.com/how-advocates-support
Medicare and health insurance
Internet and online scams
Unwanted calls and texts
Government imposters and charity fraud
If you would like a caring partner to walk through these steps with you, our team can help today. Text us: (646) 904-4027
Write a short script near your phone
Create a short list of trusted contacts
Practice a calm response
Share your plan with family
Talk through common scam stories so everyone knows what to do.
Hang up or do not reply. Look up the official number for the agency or company and call them yourself. Do not trust caller ID.
Register your number, turn on call blocking, and report illegal calls and texts to the proper agency. Your phone provider can help you use built in filters.
No. No government office or real business will require payment by gift card or cryptocurrency. If someone asks for that, it is a scam.
Call 1 800 MEDICARE. You can also report to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1 800 HHS TIPS or online. Keep your Medicare number and claim details ready.
Medical identity theft is when someone uses your name, health plan, or Medicare number to get care or bill for services. It can affect your medical records and your bills. Create a recovery plan and correct your records as needed.
Go to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns and stop criminals.
Yes. An advocate can talk through what happened, help you contact Medicare or your plan, report the scam, and monitor for follow up. You can connect with a trained advocate here
https://understoodcare.com/advocates
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
