This Week for Seniors: Stop the 'Security Alert' Scam, Check Your Medicare Mail, and Pick a Simpler Phone

 

1. The “security alert” trick that empties savings
   Scammers are using pop-ups and phone calls that pretend to be from your bank, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple. They try to scare you by saying your account was hacked and you must move your money “to keep it safe.” That’s the scam.

What to do:

• Close the pop-up. Do not call the number on your screen.

• If someone calls you first, hang up.

• Call your bank or card using the number on the back of your card or your statement.

• Never move money or share passcodes because a stranger told you to.

Simple rule: If it feels urgent and scary, slow down and call the real number you already trust.

2. Medicare/CMS “audit” messages that aren’t real
   Doctors’ offices have been getting fake requests for medical records that claim to be from Medicare or CMS. These can confuse patients too. Medicare does not start audits through random faxes or unverified emails. If you get something that feels off, don’t use any number in that message—call the official Medicare number or your doctor’s office directly.

Quick check:

• Medicare’s official number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

• Look for messages that demand immediate action or ask for payment or sensitive numbers—those are red flags.

3. Choosing an easier phone without the headaches
   Here are good options, whether you want a simple flip phone or a friendly smartphone.

Flip phones (big buttons, loud speakers, hearing-aid friendly):

• Jitterbug Flip2 (official): https://www.lively.com/phones/jitterbug-flip2

• Consumer Cellular Iris Easy Flip (overview/pricing context): https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/consumer-cellular/iris-flip

• Doro 7050 overview (U.S. carrier context): https://www.consumercellular.com/blog/connect-with-simplicity-get-to-know-the-doro-7050

Simple smartphones (larger text, voice control, emergency tools):

• Jitterbug Smart4 (official): https://www.livelydirect.com/phones/smart

• Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (unlocked, widely available): https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-a15-5g-128gb-unlocked-blue-black/6569030.p

Tips when choosing:

• Turn on larger text and bold text during setup.

• Try voice helpers (Siri on iPhone, Google Assistant on Android) for hands-free calling and texting.

• Set up emergency SOS and share your location with a trusted contact.

One-minute safety routine

• Check your bank alerts: Make sure you recognize them and that you set them up.

• Send unknown callers to voicemail: Turn on “Silence Unknown Callers” (iPhone) or similar options on Android.

• Close any “call this number now” pop-up and run your device updates instead.

• When in doubt, hang up and call back using a number you already trust.