Blogging
with
Michelle Williams, LMSW
Candice Twyman, the Executive
Director of the Better Business Bureau,
gave an informative seminar on the Financial Exploitation of Elders in Conroe this
morning. For those who missed it, I will
give you a brief synopsis:
Medicare is not free; it is paid
out of our taxpayer dollars. When someone tells you that a service is
free, you need to ask why? In 2009,
approximately $47 billion was stolen from Medicare by scammers and crooks (Texas
SMP). This hurts are seniors who depend
on Medicare for insurance. Medicare crimes cause an increase in medical fees in
order to pay for the lost or stolen money.
Never give out your Medicare number in exchange for money or a free
service.
If
in doubt, call the BBB at 713-868-9500.
Better Business Bureau’s Four Rules
to Live By:
1. It’s
shrewd to be rude! Never give personal information to anyone who
calls you on the telephone. Hang Up!!
2. Watch
out for “free seminar” or “free lunch” offers.
The cost
frequently comes with a hard sell at the end.
3. If
it sounds too good to be true…it is! People don’t give away money, cars
and televisions unless they want something in return…your money!
4. When in doubt, check it out! An
honest person will give you time to think and check reliable sources before
making a decision.
We are
entering the season for Medicare and political scams, so please be very aware
of people offering information or asking personal information. Never open the door to a stranger, always ask
for identification and call the business to verify their ID.
Never give
your Medicare, social security, or credit card numbers to someone who calls you
on the phone.
Watch out
for phony checks that ask you to send money before you can cash them.
Keep an
eye on outgoing and incoming mail if you have an unprotected mail box. Thieves target your mail to get personal
information to open new credit accounts in your name. They may even call you to get more personal information,
so be aware!!
When in
doubt, don’t give it out!!! This is my
new mantra!! Be safe out there!!-Michelle
