21 Aug How did this caller know my Medicare number?

Q. In the last few days, I have received a number of calls asking me to try qualifying for various medical services or equipment whose entire cost would be covered by my Medicare. Usually I just hang up, but I started questioning one of the callers today. What I find especially troubling is that the caller knew my Medicare and Social Security numbers. Any idea what is going on?
— Concerned

A. It is creepy when a caller knows any of your personal information.

There’s a lot to hate here. But think about it. You’ve probably given your personal information to dozens of companies, doctor’s offices, banks and others that have been targets of data breaches.

(I personally live with the expectation that all my information is out there. I still take care, but I do believe the data breaches of my life have already done the damage.)

It’s always possible that the caller is working for a company that has a partnership with your insurance company, and that’s how they had the information. But it’s just as possible that your information came into their hands from a data breach.

In 2018, the feds removed Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards, replacing them with what the agency called “a more secure Medicare number.”

“Even with this change, CMS is reminding people with Medicare to guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and be wary of unsolicited requests for your Medicare number,” it said. “Medicare will never call beneficiaries to ask for or check Medicare numbers.”

It’s good advice.

We recommend, especially after hearing accounts like yours, everyone freeze their credit reports so no one can open any loans or related credit accounts in your name.

In your case, keep a close eye on any statements you get from Medicare, as well as on your credit reports, just to make sure nothing nefarious has happened.

And next time, to be safe, just hang up.

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This story was originally published in August 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.