The use of Social Security numbers as identifiers on Medicare cards has been a hotly debated subject over the last several years. As Identity Theft issues continue to dominate the news to  as the most common complaint filed with the FTC, concerned consumers have reluctantly provided their Social Security numbers to medical care providers at every visit. Scammers are already capitalizing on changes made in a recent law that mandates how new Medicare cards will be issued over the next several years.

Over $320 million has been set aside by Congress to pay for new Medicare cards for using random numbers instead of individual SSNs. The rollout will take place over the next four years starting with new beneficiaries first followed by those with existing cards. The intent is to reduce the likelihood of identity theft but scammers have stepped up their game and devised new strategies for stealing personal info. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of their games.

*No one from Medicare will contact you in person, on the phone, or by email asking for personal information. This is especially important to note during open enrollment which takes place from October 15 through December 7.

Scammers are calling beneficiaries and refer them to legitimate websites as a ruse to try to “legitimize” the necessity of providing personal details to “helpful” callers who hope you fall for their lies.

Unsolicited phone calls offering free medical supplies are just another way scammers try to get Medicare numbers and other personal information. Filling in coupons with personal info or posting health issues on social media are some of the ways con artists find out about medical concerns.

Caller ID  can no longer be used as a source for determining whether or not a call is legitimate. Software programs manipulate information and burner phones are used to hide the true identities of thieves. Don’t use Caller ID as a guide.

Medicare sends any notifications via USPS. Be sure any official looking letters are legitimate and if in doubt, visit the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For more information on the new legislation visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114hr2enr/pdf/BILLS-114hr2enr.pdf.