The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is warning Medicare enrollees of a rising scam targeting their sensitive information.

Scammers are luring individuals with offers of free services, medical equipment, or gift cards in exchange for Medicare numbers, enabling fraudulent activities.

Renee Labrie-Shanks, director of the Statewide Senior Medicare Patrol Program at Missoula Aging Services, said “if someone offers free medical equipment and asks for your Medicare number, it’s a red flag. Hang up immediately.”

Once compromised, your personal information can be used in other fraudulent schemes, according to Cascade County Aging Services and Missoula Aging Services.

The agencies encourage those on Medicare to scrutinize Medicare Summary Notices or Medicare Advantage Explanation of Benefits carefully.

“You’re the frontline defense against fraud,” Labrie-Shanks said in a release.”Medicare processes millions of claims daily, but only you can spot discrepancies.”

Never share your Medicare number unless with your provider’s office. Unsolicited requests should raise suspicions.

The primary focus of Cascade County Aging Services is to offer services to those 60 years of age and older which allows people to age in place, reduce isolation, age with dignity and allows everyone to remain connected to the community.