With health care scams on the rise, Monadnock Community Hospital is launching its “Slam the Scam” campaign to help the public recognize and avoid fraudulent calls. Scammers are increasingly impersonating hospitals, Medicare and insurance providers in attempts to steal sensitive personal information.

A press release from the hospital states it is committed to ensuring patients, caregivers and community members know how to protect themselves from these deceptive tactics.

According to recent reports, Americans lost more than $2.75 billion to health care-related scams in 2024. Victims often suffer financial losses, identity theft and compromised medical records. To combat this growing threat, MCH’s campaign will provide residents with tools to identify scams and take action.

How to spot a health care scam

Scammers often pose as trusted health care organizations to pressure individuals into giving up personal or financial information. Common warning signs include urgency or threats, such as a caller claiming your Medicare benefits will be cut off if you don’t act immediately. Other signs include requests for sensitive details like a person’s Medicare number, Social Security number or banking information, but legitimate providers will never ask for these over the phone. Scammers may also demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency, which are clear red flags, according to MCH. People might also receive calls about unpaid hospital bills they never received in writing.

What pepole should do

If a person receives a suspicious call, officials advise stopping and hanging up immediately. Then, the person should verify the call by contacting his or her health care provider using the official number from a statement or the provider’s website. Finally, report suspected fraud to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4273) or to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

“Scammers prey on trust and fear, often targeting seniors and Medicare recipients,” stated Laura A. Gingras, vice president of philanthropy and community relations at MCH. “By raising awareness and equipping our community with clear action steps, we can prevent fraud and keep our patients safe. If something feels suspicious, we encourage people to hang up, verify and report.”

As part of its commitment to patient safety and fraud prevention, Monadnock Community Hospital encourages patients to stay vigilant and provides support for those who suspect they’ve been targeted by scammers. If a person receives a suspicious call claiming to be from MCH, do not provide any personal information. Instead, hang up and call a provider’s office directly using a trusted phone number to confirm whether the call was legitimate.