By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready
Technology has made our lives more convenient by transforming pen-and-paper processes into simple, one-click tasks and providing easier access to more information. However, these advancements have also created opportunities for fraudsters to exploit us, particularly older adults. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2023, over 100,000 complaints came from adults aged 60 and older, resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion—an 11% increase from 2022. Fraud and scams are not going away, but you don’t have to be a victim, which is why I want to share information to help Oklahomans Get Ready for these threats.
The first step in safeguarding against scams is knowing how to identify them. Some of the most common scams include:
- Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails, text messages, and social media messages designed to trick you into revealing personal or financial information and passwords or downloading malicious software onto your device.
- Medicare and Health Insurance Fraud: Scammers obtain personal information, such as Social Security or Medicare numbers, and file fraudulent claims. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, its watchdog agency, the Office of Inspector General, recovered $3.4 billion in false and fraudulent claims in 2023, as reported in December 2024.
- Tech support Scams: Fraudsters impersonate tech support representatives to gain access to your devices.
So, how can you protect yourself from these scams? A general guideline is to stay alert and skeptical. Always ask yourself if you were expecting a text, email, social media message, or phone call. If something is too good to be true, it most often is. Be wary of messages that use urgent language, encouraging you to act quickly. Moreover, avoid sharing personal information online. Do not disclose your Social Security or insurance details to individuals or on untrustworthy websites. Medicare or the Social Security Administration will not call you asking for your Medicare or Social Security number. Additionally, monitor your finances for any discrepancies or unauthorized activities.
If you suspect fraud, you must report it immediately. Report suspicious emails or messages, such as phishing attempts, and block scammers’ social media profiles and phone numbers. You can report Medicare fraud by calling 800-633-4227 or visiting the Office of Inspector General’s website. For financial fraud, such as unauthorized credit or debit card charges, contact your financial institution immediately to report the suspicious activity. If you believe your identity has been compromised, contact the three major credit bureaus to freeze your credit and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
While the digital revolution has made our lives easier, it has also introduced various threats. By staying informed and learning to recognize these threats, you can secure your digital footprint and Get Ready for scams and fraud.
For insurance-related inquiries, please call the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 800-522-0071 or visit oid.ok.gov. If you have any questions about Medicare, please contact the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program at 800-763-2828 or 405-421-6628 or visit map.oid.ok.gov.
