NEW YORK STATE — The New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide) highlighted Medicare scams during open enrollment. That period ends Saturday, December 7.

Maria Alvarez, executive director of StateWide, warned:

Watch out for people who claim they work with Medicare, are an “official Medicare agent” or “represent Medicare.”

There are no Medicare representatives and Medicare will never cold-call you.

If they say you must join a Medicare prescription plan (also known as Part D), know that it is a scam. Part D is voluntary.

Do not give out personal information, such as your Medicare number, Social Security number and/or bank information.

Beware of people who threaten or pressure you to enroll in their plan. You will not lose your benefits and you have the entire Open Enrollment Period to decide on a plan.

If you suspect your Medicare number or Social Security number has been compromised or believe you have been enrolled in a plan without your permission, call the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800/333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org.