FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/09/04
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BEWARE OF NEW MEDICARE CARD SCAMMERS
CON ARTISTS PREYING ON SENIOR CITIZENS' CONFUSION
Senator John Pippy, R-37th District, is urging senior citizens to be
careful not to become victims of scam artists taking advantage of the
confusion about the new Medicare prescription drug discount card.
"We are hearing about cases across the country where unscrupulous
individuals are taking advantage of senior citizens," Senator Pippy said.
"It's very disturbing, but not totally unexpected, that some people are
trying to make a fast buck at the expense of older people. Many seniors
are far too trusting and that makes them easy prey for these types of con
artists."
The scams reported so far often involve cases where callers offered to
help senior citizens select a prescription discount card and then charged
a fee well above the $30 maximum that the companies offering the cards are
permitted to charge.
In addition, the companies offering the cards may only solicit by mail.
"Recently a group of senior citizens in Iowa reported that telephone
solicitors called them to help select these cards. The callers asked for
credit card information and charged $99 for the service. That is just
plain wrong," Senator Pippy said. "I urge anyone who receives a call like
that to just hang up."
A comparison of Medicare cards is posted on the official Medicare
website ( www.Medicare.gov ). Senior
citizens can type in their Zip Code and see the drug prices and services
offered by each sponsor in their area. Or they can call (800) 633-4227 for
similar information.
Seniors can also contact Pennsylvania's APPRISE insurance assistance
program at 1-800-783-7067 for advice, or one of Pippy's offices for
assistance, 1-866-SEN-PIPPY.
