Greetings from the Heritage Center. Medicare Part D Enrollment period has started. Seniors are starting to receive phone calls from a woman and man who claim to be from Medicare. They team up to request the Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account numbers and credit card numbers of unsuspecting seniors.

During the scam a female caller says, ‘This is (name), and I’m calling from Medicare. Your file has been flagged for Part D enrollment or a change in Medicare, and I’m calling to verify your Medicare needs.’

While on the phone, the caller tries to collect your Medicare number. Once the Medicare number is collected, the Medicare beneficiary is transferred to a male caller.

He verifies the information and transfers the call to a third person.

This third step is used to convince the senior into revealing bank account numbers and credit card numbers, often with a series of misleading questions bent on "verifying your information so you can keep your health coverage" or "enroll in Part D for 2010." A few beneficiaries have reported they did give the callers their Medicare, Social Security, bank account, and credit card numbers. Once these fraudulent people have your personal information it is easy to re-populate that information to whatever forms that are necessary to access services, summit false claims, drain bank accounts or commit ID theft for their own gain. Within 15 minutes after a call of this type is made to a victim, a new purchase can be charged to your card.

Victims believe they are getting a call from Medicare. Medicare does not call beneficiaries to request personal information. If anyone receives such a call, hang up.

Don’t be pressured to provide information or buy something. Do not give out Medicare, Social Security or bank account numbers over the phone.

You may report these calls to SHIC 1-888-575-6611, 1-800 MEDICARE or you can also call the Heritage Center for help at 701-577-6751. Also report this type of call to your bank and credit card provider right away.