Scammers are trying to cash in on a change with Medicare, said Sheriff Steve Prator.

In 2018, Medicare provided new cards for people receiving benefits. The new cards show an eleven digit code, instead of a social security number. Now scammers are contacting citizens by phone representing themselves as being with Medicare and asking card holders to "verify" their information.

In other cases, the scammer says the recipient’s card was compromised or that they owe a fee for the new card. They also say they should mail in their paper card for a plastic card. Medicare does not provide plastic cards.  

Sheriff Prator said citizens should be aware of the scam and the following safety tips:

•            Don’t give personal information to get your new Medicare card. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number, bank information, or other information to get your new card, that’s a scam. Hang up. Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get your new Medicare number and card.

•            Don’t pay for your new card. It’s yours for free. If anyone calls and says you need to pay for it, that’s a scam. Hang up.