Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is warning residents to be on alert for insurance scams.

In the last few days, NCDOI has received reports of people going door to door claiming to be from the N.C. Department of Insurance. During the visit, the impersonator tells the resident, because they were between ages 50 and 85 that they had been selected to receive free health insurance that covers medical, vision, dental and life.

These residents report that the false DOI representative also shows a letter on an iPad with their name and address that is similar to a letter from an insurance company advertising their Medicare Advantage plans.

NCDOI has also received reports that Medicare beneficiaries are getting calls saying their Medicare numbers have been suspended due to fraudulent activity. The caller then asks for sensitive, personal information.

“If someone is calling, claiming to be from Medicare and asking for your Social Security number or bank information, hang up, it’s a scam,” Causey said. “First, Medicare won’t call you. Second, Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information. Third, NCDOI representatives will never go door to door asking for personal information.”

If someone is threatening to cancel Medicare or other insurance benefits if residents don’t give information or money, report it to the Department’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) or the N.C. Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-408-1212. Residents can also contact local law enforcement.