Medicare Scam Returns to Montana, Tricks at Least One Citizen into Giving Banking Information

An old medicare scam has resurfaced in Montana and has already begun to do some damage.

"We are receiving several calls that beneficiaries in Montana are receiving unsolicited phone calls from people who are reporting to be with some agency," said Montana Senior Medicare Patrol Program Manager for Missoula Aging Services Renee Labrie-Shanks. "Not the government, but some agency that is helping update their medicare cards. So far, the one we have heard of is called GNY and they are in New York, New York."

The scam carries huge financial risks for those that get duped.

"The risk is these people are trying to take bank information, and one lady did give out her bank information," said Labrie-Shanks. "Don't give out your bank account, but also if they can get your medicare number that is as good as a credit card. If they know what they are doing they can either sell it or they can utilize it and bill for services."

One key to avoid the scam is to never hand out personal information over the phone. Mediare services does not call individuals for information and uses traditional mail services for exchanging information.

 Renee Labrie-Shanks