Fraud Prevention Tips

Open Enrollment Ends December 31, 2008

Open enrollment for the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Program — Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 — sees its fair share of complaints about the conduct of sales agents filed with Corporate and Financial Investigation Department. Sales agents must follow strict guidelines when marketing the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug program. For instance, they are not allowed to use "high pressure" sales tactics — such as filling out the enrollment application on behalf of the beneficiary — or calling on customers that have not made a request to talk to an agent.

During open enrollment time, many seniors receive unsolicited calls in which they are asked to give personal information, such as birth date, social security numbers and bank account numbers. Identity thieves don't need much information in order to steal your identity. Do not give any private information over the telephone.

Please contact our anti-fraud toll free hotline number at 888-650-8136 to report any sales agent behavior you feel is improper or any related potential fraud. Our fax number is 248-448-8226 and our Web site is bcbsm.com.