(Wilmington, DE): Attorney General Carl C. Danberg warns senior citizens that they may
be targeted by criminals engaged in a new telephone fraud scheme. Telephone callers pretending
to be government representatives phone senior citizens and talk to them about their concerns with
changes in the Medicare program. Since the callers have their names and addresses, some
seniors believe that the call is legitimate. These calls are never legitimate – a criminal is always on
the other end of the line.
Callers lie to seniors and tell them that they owe more money for Medicare coverage. The
callers then ask for personal banking information including the name of the bank, routing
numbers, and account numbers. Never give personal banking information to anyone on the
phone.
Attorney General Danberg offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

Do not assume that someone who knows you name, address, and phone number has a
legitimate reason for calling.

Be suspicious of any caller who is asking for private financial information.

Never tell a caller about your bank account numbers.

Hang up the phone if you feel uncomfortable about the call.

If you have questions about Medicare coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to
www.medicare.gov for more information.
Victims of senior citizen fraud should call Gary Tabor, Special Investigator in the Office of
the Attorney General, at (302) 577-8508.
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