Medicare Fraud Expert Warns Seniors About Scams at TRIAD Expo

A packed room of local seniors at the Front Royal/Warren County TRIAD Senior Expo listened closely as Shawn Smith, State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), delivered a sobering and engaging presentation on the rise in health care-related scams targeting older adults.

Shawn Smith, State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

With a blend of practical advice and light humor, Smith guided attendees through the top three scams affecting Medicare beneficiaries: government impostors, durable medical equipment (DME) fraud, and genetic testing scams — all of which have cost Medicare billions of dollars annually.

“We know the government spends about $800 billion a year on Medicare,” said Smith. “But they lose $60 to $80 billion of that to fraud — and unfortunately, seniors are often the unknowing helpers.”

Common Scams: Familiar Voices, High Costs

One major red flag Smith highlighted: phone calls from people claiming to be from Medicare, offering “new” cards or “free” medical devices.

“Medicare is not issuing new cards. If someone says they’re from Medicare and asks for your number, hang up,” Smith warned. “That number is as valuable as your credit card. If scammers get it, they can bill Medicare in your name — and you may not find out until it’s too late.”

Smith explained that DME scams often start with a friendly phone call offering braces for joint pain. The problem? Seniors who say yes often receive boxes of unnecessary equipment, and Medicare is billed thousands of dollars for items that may never be used or are medically inappropriate.

Genetic testing scams, he said, are a newer trend. Seniors are told the test could help diagnose conditions that might affect their children or grandchildren. “Sounds helpful. But if Medicare doesn’t approve it, you could be left with a bill for $800 to $12,000, and law enforcement can’t help you if you signed the paperwork.”

Prevent, Detect, Report

Smith offered clear strategies for seniors to protect themselves:

• Don’t answer unsolicited phone calls — let them go to voicemail.
• Never disclose your Medicare number to anyone who calls unexpectedly.
• Be wary of offers for “free” equipment or tests — nothing is free when Medicare is involved.
• Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or Medicare Summary Notices for suspicious charges.

“You check your bank statements, you check your credit card statements — you also need to check your Medicare statements,” Smith said. “If scammers bill Medicare for a wheelchair, and you actually need one later, you might be denied — because Medicare thinks you already got one.”

Help Is Available

Smith reminded attendees that the Senior Medicare Patrol offers free assistance through a 1-800 hotline, where trained staff can review documents, make calls on behalf of seniors, and report suspicious activity directly to Medicare and the Office of the Inspector General.

“We take your concerns seriously,” he said. “When you report scams, you’re not just helping yourself — you’re helping us build a case against fraudsters targeting seniors across the country.”

‘Don’t Talk to Strangers — Especially on the Phone’

Smith closed with a modern twist on timeless advice:

“My mom used to tell me, ‘Don’t talk to strangers and don’t take candy from strangers.’ Now I tell her — don’t take medical equipment from strangers, either.”

The crowd applauded the informative session, and many lingered afterward to ask questions or share their own experiences.

To report suspected Medicare fraud or get free help, contact the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-938-8885 or visit www.virginiasmp.com.

Here is a similar presentation by Shawn Smith on medicare scams.