That Viral TV Ad with a Famous Quarterback is Misleading You. Here’s How.
The Famous Face, The Hidden Fine Print
I see that commercial a dozen times a day. A famous, retired football player is promising a Medicare plan with “zero co-pays, zero deductibles, and money back in your Social Security check.” It sounds like the perfect plan. But it’s deeply misleading. Those “zero dollar” benefits are often only available to “dual eligibles” who have both Medicare and Medicaid. For most people, the plan has a high out-of-pocket maximum. The ad isn’t technically a lie, but it’s a bait-and-switch that promises a VIP experience that most viewers will never actually get.
The “My Doctor Said I Need This Brace” Scam: How to Spot a DME Fraud Operation
The “Free” Back Brace That Wasn’t From My Doctor
I got a call from a friendly woman who said she worked “with Medicare.” She told me I was eligible for a new back brace at no cost to me. All she needed was my Medicare number to verify my eligibility. I was suspicious. I asked her for the name of my doctor who had ordered it. She couldn’t tell me. It was a scam. These fraudulent “durable medical equipment” (DME) companies get your Medicare number and then bill Medicare thousands for a cheap brace you don’t need. I hung up.
My Guide to Reading Your “Medicare Summary Notice” (MSN) to Catch Fraudulent Bills
The “Bill” That’s Actually Your Best Weapon
Every three months, I get a “Medicare Summary Notice,” or MSN, in the mail. It’s not a bill. It’s a list of every single service that doctors and hospitals have billed to my Medicare account. I now read it like a detective. I look for dates of service when I know I wasn’t at a doctor. I look for doctors’ names I don’t recognize. I look for procedures I never had. Last year, I found a charge for a complex ultrasound I never received. The MSN is my number one tool for spotting and reporting fraud.
The “Free Genetic Test” Scam That’s Costing Medicare Billions (And How to Avoid It)
The DNA Test I Didn’t Need
A man at a booth at a local health fair offered me a “free” cancer screening test. He said all I had to do was swab my cheek and give him my Medicare number. It sounded too good to be true, and it was. These are scams. They bill Medicare thousands of dollars for a medically unnecessary genetic test. Then, you’re left dealing with the fallout. I politely declined and walked away. A real genetic test will always be ordered by your trusted personal doctor, not by a stranger at a health fair.
My Story: I Got a Call from the “Medicare Administration.” It Was a Scammer.
The Phone Call That Felt Official, But Was a Fraud
The caller ID said “Medicare Administration.” The man on the phone had a very official, serious tone. He said there had been a “fraudulent charge” on my account and that he needed me to “verify” my full Medicare number and my Social Security number to freeze my account. My heart started pounding. I almost gave him the information. Then I remembered the golden rule: Medicare will never, ever call you and ask for your personal information. I hung up. It was a sophisticated scam designed to create fear.
The Unofficial Guide to Protecting Your Red, White, and Blue Medicare Card Like a Credit Card
My Card, My Identity
My Medicare card is one of the most important documents I own. I learned to treat it like a credit card. I never carry it in my wallet unless I am going to a doctor’s appointment. I have a photocopy of it in a safe place at home. I have a picture of it on my phone. And I never, ever give my Medicare number out to anyone except my trusted doctors’ offices and my insurance plan. Protecting that number is the single best way to protect myself from medical identity theft and fraudulent billing.
How to Report a “Phantom Billing” Charge for a Service You Never Got
The Ghost Who Billed My Insurance
I was reviewing my Medicare Summary Notice and saw a charge from a Dr. Smith for a consultation on a date I was at home watching TV. It was a “phantom bill” for a service that never happened. I knew I had to report it. I called the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline. I gave them my information and the specific line item from my MSN. They opened a fraud investigation. Reporting it wasn’t just about the money; it was about protecting the integrity of the Medicare system that we all rely on.
The “Free Groceries” or “Flex Card” Phone Call: A Classic Bait-and-Switch
The Card That Was Just a Lure
A very friendly woman called and told me that because of new Medicare rules, I was eligible for a “free flex card” to pay for my groceries and utilities. She just needed my Medicare number to confirm my eligibility. It was a classic bait-and-switch. The “flex card” is a real benefit, but it’s only available through some specific Medicare Advantage plans. She was an insurance agent trying to trick me into a sales pitch to switch my plan. I told her I wasn’t interested and hung up.
My Guide to Spotting a “Fake” Medicare Advantage Plan Ad
The Ad That Promised the Moon, But Delivered Nothing
During open enrollment, the TV ads are relentless. I’ve learned to spot the fake-sounding ones. They often use words like “government-approved” and show pictures of the official Medicare card to look legitimate. They promise huge, unbelievable benefits like “free dental implants” or “$2,000 back in your Social Security check,” but they never mention the name of the actual insurance company. These ads are often from lead-generation companies that will sell your contact information to dozens of aggressive insurance agents. I just change the channel.
The Unspoken Dangers of “Cold Calls” from Insurance Agents
The Call I Never Asked For
My phone rings off the hook during open enrollment. It’s insurance agents trying to sell me a Medicare plan. I learned a crucial rule: it is illegal for an agent to make an unsolicited “cold call” to you to sell a Medicare plan. If you didn’t ask them to call you, they are breaking the law. When an agent calls me out of the blue, I know immediately that they are unethical. I politely tell them to put me on their Do Not Call list and then I hang up.
How to Recognize a “Phishing” Email or Text from a Fake Medicare Source
The Link I Knew Not to Click
I got a text message that said: “Medicare Alert: Your account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Click here to verify your identity.” The link looked strange. I knew this was a “phishing” scam. They were trying to get me to click a link and enter my personal information on a fake website. I remembered that Medicare will almost never contact me via text message. I deleted the text and did not click the link. It’s a digital trap that preys on fear.
My Story: My Doctor’s Office Was “Upcoding” My Visits. Here’s How I Caught Them.
The 5-Minute Visit Billed as a 30-Minute Consult
I noticed on my Medicare Summary Notice that my simple, five-minute follow-up visits with my doctor were being billed using a CPT code for a “moderate complexity” visit. This is called “upcoding.” The office was billing for a more expensive service than what was actually provided. I called the office manager and politely pointed out the discrepancy. I told her I was concerned about the incorrect billing. The issue was quickly corrected. It’s important to be an active watchdog of your own bills.
The “Free Medical Alert System” Scam and How It Works
The “Help, I’ve Fallen” Call That Was a Scam
An automated “robocall” told me I was eligible for a “free” medical alert system, just like the ones in the famous commercials. It said Medicare would cover the full cost. All I had to do was press “1” and provide my Medicare number to the representative. I knew it was a scam. While Medicare might cover these systems if they are deemed medically necessary by a doctor, they are never just handed out for free over the phone. They were just trying to get my Medicare number to commit fraud. I hung up.
My Guide to Using the “Senior Medicare Patrol” (SMP) to Get Help
The Volunteer Army That Fights Fraud
I found a billing error on my Medicare statement that I thought might be fraud. I didn’t know who to turn to. I called my local Area Agency on Aging, and they connected me with my state’s “Senior Medicare Patrol” (SMP). The SMP is a nationwide team of trained volunteers who help Medicare beneficiaries identify and report fraud. A wonderful volunteer from the SMP reviewed my case with me for free. She helped me understand the issue and file a formal report. They are a powerful, free resource for every senior.
The Unspoken Power of Saying “Can You Mail Me That Information?” to a Pushy Salesperson
The Phrase That Ends the High-Pressure Pitch
I was on the phone with an insurance agent who was using very high-pressure tactics to get me to enroll in his plan right now. I felt flustered. I used my favorite escape phrase. I calmly said, “That sounds interesting. Can you please mail me the official plan information so I can review it?” This simple request does two things. It immediately ends the high-pressure sales pitch. And it forces them to provide you with the official, written documents, which you can then review at your own pace. Most pushy callers will just give up.
How to Vet an “Insurance Broker” to Make Sure They’re Legitimate
My Broker Background Check
I knew I wanted help choosing a plan, but I wanted a legitimate broker. First, I asked for his state license number and verified it on my state’s Department of Insurance website. Second, I asked him how many different insurance companies he was appointed to sell. A good independent broker will represent many different companies, not just one or two. Finally, I trusted my gut. He was patient, educational, and he didn’t pressure me. He was a guide, not a salesman.
My Guide to Understanding What a “Kickback” Is (And Why It’s a Felony)
The Bribe That Breaks the Law
I was talking to a medical supply company, and the salesman told me that if I ordered my diabetic supplies through him, he would give me a “free $50 gift card” every month. That sounded like a bribe. It was. This is called a “kickback,” and it is a felony. It is illegal for any company to offer you money or gifts in exchange for you using their services and billing Medicare. I knew this was a huge red flag. I refused the offer and reported the company to the Medicare fraud hotline.
The “Compound Pharmacy” Scams That Create Million-Dollar Bills for Useless Creams
The “Miracle Cream” That Was a Million-Dollar Mess
A telemarketer called and offered me a “free” pain cream that was specially “compounded” for me. All he needed was my Medicare number. I later learned this is a massive scam. These fraudulent pharmacies get doctors to sign off on prescriptions for useless, incredibly expensive creams. They then bill Medicare tens of thousands of dollars. The patient gets a cream they don’t need, and the scammers get rich. I knew to never accept any medical product from a cold call.
My Story: Someone Stole My Medicare Number. Here’s the Nightmare That Followed.
The Identity Theft That Stole My Health
I foolishly gave my Medicare number to a scammer over the phone. It was the beginning of a nightmare. Suddenly, I started getting Medicare Summary Notices for services I never had, in states I’ve never visited. The scammers were billing Medicare for tens of thousands of dollars in my name. It took me months of working with the Senior Medicare Patrol and the Inspector General’s office to clean up the mess. It taught me a terrifying lesson: your Medicare number is as valuable as your credit card, and you must protect it fiercely.
The Unspoken “High-Pressure” Sales Tactics Used During Annual Enrollment
The “This Offer Ends Today” Lie
During the Annual Enrollment Period, insurance agents use a lot of high-pressure tactics. My least favorite is the “this offer ends today” lie. An agent will tell you that a special plan is only available for a limited time to create a false sense of urgency. The truth is, the Annual Enrollment Period has a fixed end date of December 7th. All the plans are available for that entire period. Anyone who tells you that you have to sign up right now is just using a cheap sales trick.
How to Report a Doctor Who is Ordering Unnecessary Tests
The Doctor Who Seemed to Be Testing Everything
I went to a new doctor for a simple cold. He insisted on ordering a whole battery of expensive blood tests and a chest x-ray. It seemed like way too much. I felt like he was just ordering tests to make more money. I got a second opinion from my old, trusted doctor, who confirmed the tests were unnecessary. I filed a formal complaint with my state’s medical board and with my insurance plan’s fraud department. It’s important to speak up when you feel a provider is putting their profits ahead of your health.
My Guide to the “Home Health Care” Scams That Prey on Isolated Seniors
The “Free Nurse” Who Wasn’t Free
A woman came to my elderly mother’s door. She said she was a nurse and that my mom was eligible for “free” in-home nursing care paid for by Medicare. She just needed my mom’s Medicare number to get her signed up. My mom was lonely and almost gave it to her. Luckily, she called me first. We knew this was a scam. These fraudulent agencies bill Medicare for care that is never provided. A legitimate home health agency will always be ordered by, and coordinated with, your own trusted doctor.
The Unspoken Red Flag: A “Free” Service That Requires Your Medicare Number Upfront
The Price of “Free” Was My Identity
The ad on social media promised a “free” back brace. The booth at the health fair offered a “free” genetic test. The man on the phone offered a “free” medical alert system. They all had one thing in common. They all said, “All I need is your Medicare number to see if you’re eligible.” This is the number one red flag of a scam. A legitimate service will be ordered by your doctor. A scam will ask for your Medicare number in exchange for a free gift. Nothing is free. The price is your medical identity.
How to Put a “Freeze” on Your Credit to Protect Yourself After a Data Breach
The Digital Lock on My Financial Life
I received a letter from my health insurance company saying they had a data breach and my personal information may have been compromised. I didn’t panic; I took action. I immediately went to the websites of all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and I placed a “freeze” on my credit. It’s a free service. A credit freeze is a lock that prevents anyone from opening a new credit card or a loan in your name. It’s the single most powerful step you can take to protect yourself from financial identity theft.
My Guide to Identifying a “Fake” Medical Bill in the Mail
The Bill That Looked Real, But Smelled Fishy
I received a bill in the mail from a “Medical Billing Services” company I had never heard of. It said I owed $500 for a recent doctor’s visit. It looked very official. But I noticed a few things were off. It didn’t have my doctor’s specific name on it. And it was demanding immediate payment by credit card. I called my doctor’s office directly. They confirmed they had not sent the bill and did not use that company. It was a fake bill from a scammer. Always call your doctor’s office to verify a strange bill.
The Unspoken Power of Trusting Your “Gut Feeling” About a Sales Pitch
The Little Voice That Said “Hang Up”
I was on the phone with a very slick insurance agent. He was charming. He was answering all my questions. But something in my gut just felt… off. He seemed a little too eager, a little too pushy. A little voice in the back of my head just kept saying, “This doesn’t feel right.” I have learned to always, always trust that gut feeling. I politely ended the call. It’s better to walk away from a “good deal” that feels wrong than to get trapped in a bad situation.
How to Protect a Loved One with “Dementia” from Financial Predators
The Shield Around My Mom’s Finances
My mother has dementia, and she is a prime target for financial scammers. We have put a shield around her. First, we got a “Durable Power of Attorney” so I can legally manage her finances. Second, we put a freeze on her credit so no one can open new accounts in her name. Third, we got a special phone for her that only allows calls from pre-approved numbers. And fourth, I review her bank statements and her Medicare Summary Notices every single month to look for any strange activity.
My Guide to Understanding the “OIG” (Office of Inspector General) Hotline
The Government’s Fraud Police
I knew that reporting Medicare fraud was important. I learned who to report it to. The primary watchdog for all of Medicare is the “Office of Inspector General” (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services. They have a national fraud hotline and an online complaint portal. When I reported a doctor for suspicious billing, I made my report directly to the OIG. They are the federal fraud police, and they have the power to conduct major investigations and hold bad actors accountable.
The Unspoken “Identity Theft” Risk Associated with Your Medicare Number
The Number That Is the Key to Your Medical Kingdom
I used to think my Social Security number was the most important number to protect. Now I know my Medicare number is just as valuable. Scammers don’t want it to steal my money; they want it to steal my health benefits. With my number, they can bill Medicare for fake services, get expensive equipment in my name, and create a fake medical history for me that could be dangerous. My Medicare number is the key to my medical kingdom, and I guard it fiercely.
How to Handle a “Door-to-Door” Salesperson Claiming to be from Medicare
The Man at My Door I Didn’t Let In
A man with a clipboard knocked on my door. He said he was a “Medicare representative” and needed to come in to review my benefits with me. I knew immediately this was illegal and a likely scam. No one from Medicare or Social Security will ever make an unsolicited visit to your home. I did not open my door. I spoke to him through my locked screen door. I told him I was not interested and that if he didn’t leave my property, I would call the police.
My Guide to Recognizing a “Spoofed” Phone Number from a Scammer
The Phone Number That Lied
My caller ID showed a call coming from the main phone number for my local hospital. I answered it. A man told me he was from the billing department and needed my credit card to pay for a recent visit. But his voice sounded strange and the call was staticky. It was a “spoofed” call. Scammers can use technology to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate, trusted number. The lesson is, even if the caller ID looks real, never give out financial information on a call you did not initiate.
The Unspoken “Chain” of Fraud: How One Scam Leads to Another
The Stolen Number That Kept on Stealing
I made the mistake of giving my Medicare number to a scammer who promised me a free back brace. That was just the beginning. I learned that my number was then sold to other scammers on the dark web. A month later, I started getting bills for fraudulent lab tests. A month after that, there were charges for home health care I never received. That one initial mistake led to a “chain” of fraud, creating a massive mess that took me months to clean up.
How to Get a “New” Medicare Number if Yours Has Been Compromised
The Fresh Start for My Medical Identity
After my Medicare number was stolen and used for fraudulent billing, I felt like my medical identity was tainted. I worked with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the Inspector General’s office. After their investigation was complete and they confirmed the fraud, they were able to issue me a brand new, completely different Medicare number. It was like getting a new credit card after the old one was stolen. It was a fresh start that gave me back my sense of security.
My Guide to Creating a “Password” Strategy for Your Online Health Portals
My Digital Keys to My Healthcare Kingdom
I have passwords for my main Medicare account, my Advantage plan portal, and my pharmacy website. I knew I needed a strong password strategy. First, I use a different, unique password for every single site. Second, I use a password manager app to create and store these complex passwords securely. Third, for every site that offers it, I have enabled “two-factor authentication,” which requires a code from my phone to log in. This strategy keeps my digital healthcare kingdom safe.
The Unspoken Importance of “Shredding” Your Old Medical Documents
My Paper Trail to the Fire
Every month, I get a pile of medical paperwork in the mail: Medicare Summary Notices, Explanations of Benefits, bills from my doctor. These documents contain my name, my address, and my Medicare number. I don’t just throw them in the recycling bin. When I am done with them, every single piece of paper goes into my home shredder. Shredding my documents is a simple, low-tech way to protect myself from “dumpster diving” identity thieves who are looking for my personal information.
How to Spot “Fake Reviews” for an Insurance Plan or Doctor
The Reviews That Sounded Too Perfect
I was researching a new Medicare Advantage plan online and found a website with dozens of glowing, 5-star reviews. They all sounded a little too similar. They used the same phrases, like “life-changing benefits” and “amazing customer service.” I realized they were probably fake reviews, written by the company itself. A real set of reviews will always have a mix of good and bad. I’ve learned to be skeptical of anything that looks too perfect and to trust my gut.
My Guide to the “Do Not Call” Registry (And Why It Doesn’t Always Work)
The List That Scammers Ignore
I put my phone number on the national “Do Not Call” Registry. It did reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls I received. But it did absolutely nothing to stop the calls from the Medicare scammers. I learned that legitimate companies will honor the list, but criminals and scammers simply ignore it. The Do Not Call list is a good thing to be on, but it is not a magic shield that will protect you from fraudulent calls. You still have to be vigilant.
The Unspoken “Psychology” Scammers Use to Create a Sense of Urgency and Fear
The Emotional Traps I Learned to Avoid
Medicare scammers are masters of psychology. They use two powerful emotions to get you to act without thinking: fear and urgency. They will tell you that your benefits are about to be “canceled” (fear) and that you must “act now” to save them (urgency). I have learned to recognize these emotional triggers. The moment a caller tries to make me feel scared or rushed, a red flag goes up in my mind. I know it’s a tactic. I take a deep breath and slow down.
How to “Practice” Saying No to a High-Pressure Salesperson
The Rehearsal for the Real Thing
I used to be terrible at saying “no” on the phone. A pushy salesperson would make me feel flustered and trapped. I decided to practice. I would role-play with my daughter. She would pretend to be a high-pressure agent, and I would practice my scripts. “I’m not interested, thank you.” “Please put me on your do not call list.” “I don’t make financial decisions over the phone.” Rehearsing these simple, firm sentences out loud made it so much easier to say them with confidence when a real scammer called.
My Guide to the “Gifting” Rules for Agents (What They Can and Cannot Give You)
The “Gift” That Was Really a Bribe
An insurance agent I met with offered me a $50 gift card to a restaurant if I signed up for his plan. I knew this was a huge red flag. There are very strict rules about what agents can give you. They can give you a small promotional item of nominal value (like a pen or a calendar). They cannot offer you cash or gifts that are intended to influence your decision. That $50 gift card wasn’t a gift; it was a bribe, and it was illegal. I walked away and found an ethical agent.
The Unspoken Power of Being an “Informed” Consumer
My Knowledge is My Shield
The single best defense against Medicare fraud and scams is knowledge. I have taken the time to learn the basic rules. I know that Medicare will never call me and ask for my number. I know that I must re-shop my Part D plan every year. I know how to read my Medicare Summary Notice. This knowledge is my shield. The scammers prey on confusion and fear. Because I am an informed consumer, I can spot their tricks from a mile away. They have no power over me.
How to Join Your Local “SMP” Team as a Volunteer Fraud Fighter
The Best Way to Get Mad is to Get Active
I was so angry after my own experience with Medicare fraud that I decided to do something about it. I contacted my state’s “Senior Medicare Patrol” (SMP) office and signed up to be a volunteer. I received extensive training on how to spot and report fraud. Now, I give presentations at local senior centers. I help my neighbors read their Medicare statements. I am part of a volunteer army of fraud fighters. It’s an incredibly empowering way to turn my negative experience into a positive force for my community.
My Story: The Day I Hung Up on a Scammer and Felt Like a Superhero
The Click That Was My Victory
The man on the phone was smooth. He was telling me about all the amazing new Medicare benefits I was missing out on. He was just about to ask me for my Medicare number. In the past, I might have been flustered or scared. But this time, I was informed. I knew he was a scammer. I didn’t get angry. I just calmly said, “I’m not interested,” and I hung up the phone. That simple click felt like a huge victory. I had spotted the trap, and I had not fallen into it. I felt powerful. I felt like a superhero.
The Unspoken “Data Trail” Left by Scammers That Helps Authorities Catch Them
The Digital Breadcrumbs That Lead to Justice
I reported a fraudulent phone call to the Medicare fraud hotline. I thought, “How can they possibly catch these guys?” I learned that every scam leaves a data trail. The phone number they used, even if it was spoofed, can be traced. The website they directed me to has a registration history. The financial transactions they try to make can be flagged. While it’s a long and difficult process, every single report from a beneficiary like me adds another breadcrumb to the trail that can eventually lead law enforcement to these criminal networks.
The #1 Rule of Medicare Fraud Prevention: Never Give Your Number to Get a “Free Gift”
The Golden Rule That Will Keep You Safe
If I could write the #1 rule of Medicare fraud prevention on a billboard, it would be this: Never, ever, under any circumstances, give out your Medicare number in exchange for a “free” gift, service, or screening. Your Medicare number is the key to your benefits. It should only be given to your trusted doctors and your official health plan. Anyone who dangles a “free” offer in front of you and asks for your number is not trying to help you; they are trying to rob you and the Medicare system.
How to Create a “Circle of Trust” with Your Family to Review Offers
My Family’s Fraud Filter
The marketing calls and mailers during open enrollment are overwhelming. My family created a “circle of trust” to deal with them. My rule is that I don’t make any decisions on my own. If I get an offer that sounds interesting, I discuss it with my daughter, who is great at researching things online. If my son, who is a numbers guy, sees a plan that looks good, he’ll run it by me. We are each other’s fraud filter. This team approach ensures that a second, trusted set of eyes looks at every offer before any decisions are made.
The Unspoken Importance of Reporting “Attempted” Fraud, Not Just Successful Fraud
The Attempted Break-In That I Still Reported
A scammer tried to get my Medicare number, but I knew his tricks and I hung up on him. He didn’t get my information, so no harm was done, right? Wrong. I learned that it’s just as important to report attempted fraud as it is to report successful fraud. I reported the phone number and the scammer’s script to the Senior Medicare Patrol. This information helps them identify new scam tactics and warn other seniors. Even if the burglar doesn’t get in your house, you still call the police. The same is true for fraud.
My Guide to Staying “One Step Ahead” of the Scammers
My Daily Intelligence Briefing
The scammers are always coming up with new tricks. I make it a point to stay one step ahead of them. I’ve signed up for the email newsletter from my state’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Every month, they send out an alert about the newest scams that are circulating in my area. They tell me what to look for and what phrases the scammers are using. This simple intelligence briefing is like getting a daily report on the enemy’s tactics. It keeps me informed and prepared.
The Ultimate “Scam Prevention” Toolkit for Seniors
My Arsenal of Anti-Scam Weapons
I have a simple toolkit that protects me from scams. Weapon 1: A call-blocking app on my smartphone to filter out robocalls. Weapon 2: A shredder for all my medical documents. Weapon 3: The phone number for my local SHIP counselor for unbiased advice. Weapon 4: A healthy dose of skepticism. If it sounds too good to be true, it always is. This simple, low-tech toolkit is my best defense against the army of scammers who are trying to get my information.
Why Protecting Medicare from Fraud is Every Taxpayer’s Civic Duty
It’s Our Money They’re Stealing
Medicare fraud isn’t a victimless crime. It’s estimated to cost taxpayers over $60 billion every single year. That is money that could be used to improve benefits, lower premiums, or strengthen the program for future generations. When a scammer bills Medicare for a fake service, they are stealing from all of us. That’s why I feel a civic duty to be a vigilant watchdog. By reading my statements and reporting suspicious activity, I am not just protecting myself; I am protecting this vital program for my children and my grandchildren.