Will the Social Security Data Breach Affect My Medicare?

A recent Social Security data breach has impacted 2.9 billion people. If you suspect this breach may have affected you, please exercise caution and take appropriate measures to safeguard your information.

“I was watching the news and discovered that my Social Security number and personal information could have been stolen through the Social Security data breach. This situation makes me concerned about my Medicare number and someone filing a false claim. Please advise what I should do to be sure my personal Medicare information is protected from hackers.” -James

James, I have great news for you. As of April 2018, Medicare has issued new cards featuring a unique Medicare identification number to all recipients. These new cards no longer display Social Security numbers. Instead, they include a distinct 11-character combination of letters and digits.

You do not have to worry about your Social Security number being used for filing a Medicare claim. Only your unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) or Medicare number is used. This helps to keep your Medicare safe.

How to Keep Your Personal Information Safe

To protect your information from hackers, it’s important to understand that Medicare, Social Security, and the IRS will not contact you via phone, email, or text to request your personal identifiable information (PII) such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, or personal health information (PHI). These government agencies will send official communications through the US Postal Service if there is any data breach involving your PII or PHI or if any action is required from you.

If you receive a phone call, text, or email from someone saying they’re with Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS and you need a new Medicare card or that they need additional personal information from you, this is a scam! Hang up!

In the event of a Medicare data breach, you will receive a detailed letter from CMS (Medicare). If you have any questions or concerns about the letter, you should contact Medicare at 800-MEDICARE.

Remember, no US government agency will randomly call, text, or email you. It is acceptable for you to hang up the phone or delete the text or email. Please be careful when giving a stranger your personal information. Criminals from all over the world are watching the internet to steal what they can without getting caught!

What To Do if You Believe Your Social Security Number or Other Personal Information Has Been Compromised

Here are some essential steps to protect yourself:

1. Report the Theft – Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or 1-877-438-4338 to report the identity theft and get a recovery plan.
2. Place a Credit Freeze – This is a more robust protection than a fraud alert. It prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission, making it significantly harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
   • How to Place a Credit Freeze – You can typically place a credit freeze online, by phone, or by mail. Each credit bureau has its own specific process, so it’s best to visit their website for detailed instructions. There might be a small fee associated with placing or lifting a credit freeze, but this fee is often waived in cases of identity theft.
     • You’ll need to place a freeze with each of the 3 main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
     • You’ll be asked to provide personal information to verify your identity. This typically includes your Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
     • Some credit bureaus offer different types of freezes. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
     • You’ll be provided with a unique personal identification number (PIN) that you’ll need to use to lift the freeze.
3. Check Your Credit Reports – Obtain free copies of your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for any unauthorized activity.
4. File a Police Report – While not always necessary, a police report can be helpful documentation if you need to take further action.
5. Monitor Your Accounts – Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
6. Contact the Social Security Administration – If you suspect misuse of your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration for guidance.
7. Consider an Identity Theft Protection Service – These services can provide additional monitoring and assistance, helping you stay informed about potential threats.
8. Be Cautious About Sharing Your SSN – Only provide your Social Security number when absolutely necessary.

Additionally, take these proactive steps:

• Review your accounts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for any suspicious activity.
• Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Stay aware of phishing scams that may try to trick you into revealing personal information.
• Make sure your security software is up-to-date to protect against the latest threats.

Stay Protected Against Data Breaches

There were almost 3 billion affected by the most recent Social Security breach and 600,000 people have been duped by Medicare scams since 2022. Tell your friends and family that it is vital to know who you are talking, texting, or emailing with when it comes to strangers. Standing together, we can stop those who only want to make a fast dollar!

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