When receiving calls concerning Medicare, citizens should be aware that such calls could be scams. A concerned citizen reported receiving such a call Wednesday.

If a citizen gets a call asking for specific personal information, like Social Security number, date of birth or banking numbers, they are urged to contact law enforcement, said Lt. Johnny King, of the Selma Police Department.

Organizations like Alabama Senior Medicare Patrol help senior citizens recognize these scams and provide tips for how to handle these situations.

According to the Alabama Department of Senior Services, never give your Medicare number or Social Security number to strangers, always check your statements and be cautious about offers from door-to-door salespeople or in Wednesday’s case, telemarketers.

“They shouldn’t be calling over the phone anyway,” King said.

King advised that once a fraudulent call is detected; try to remember details about the caller so it can be reported as accurately as possible.

“Give them the date and time of the call and describe the person as best you can, like black or white male voice,” King said.

Other signs of Medicare fraud, according to the Alabama Department of Senior Services, include overcharging for services or equipment, charging for services not received, someone offering free services or supplies and then charging Medicare or someone asking you to sign a blank or incomplete form.

Although there have been no further reported cases of Medicare scams in Selma, King said citizens should stay aware of this problem and know the steps to take when detecting and reporting these scams.

“We want all citizens to know not to give out personal or banking information to anyone,” said chief of police William T. Riley. “It is very important to know who you are actually talking to over the telephone. Report all scams to law enforcement.”

King said that along with calling local authorities when encountering Medicare fraud, also call the Alabama Senior Medicare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-633-4227.