Earlier this year, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a memo warning seniors and people with disabilities to be aware of the "$299 Ring"; a telephone scam that asks Medicare beneficiaries for money and checking account information with the intention of helping them enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

CMS has released another memo warning people of a new scam.

As part of the new scams, callers are now asking for bank information or telling beneficiaries they can provide a new Medicare card for a fee. And, they are asking for a larger dollar amount. Similar to the reported "$299 ring", callers ask Medicare beneficiaries for bank account numbers so the callers can electronically withdraw money. The new Medicare card or prescription drug plan they claim to be selling is not legitimate. Callers may use the names of fictitious companies such as Pharma Corp., National Medical Office, Medicare National Office and National Medicare.

It is against Medicare's rules to call a person with Medicare and ask for bank account or other personal information or cash payment over the telephone. No one should ever provide that kind of information to someone who calls them. Such calls should be made by you or handled with a follow-up letter to which you may choose to reply. If you are a victim of this scam or know of someone who has been a victim call your local law enforcement agency or 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379). Or, if you have a question or concerns about any activity regarding Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Source: CMS