Is This Benefits Call Real or a Scam? How to Tell in 30 Seconds

If you have gotten calls, letters, or ads promising "senior benefits," "final expense coverage," or a "benefits checkup," you are not alone. Some are real programs. Many are sales pitches or outright scams. Here is how to tell the difference.

Red flags — hang up or throw it away if:

• They say you must "act now" or your benefits will expire. Real government programs do not work this way.
• They ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details before explaining anything.
• They ask you to pay a fee to apply for a benefit. Applying for real benefits is always free.
• The caller claims to be "from Medicare" or "from Social Security" and asks you to verify personal information. Real agencies almost never call you first.
• They pressure you to buy insurance or sign something on the spot.

Green flags — signs it is probably legitimate:

• You can hang up, look up the organization's official number yourself, and call back.
• They never ask for money to apply.
• They encourage you to bring a family member or friend to any meeting.
• They are a known local organization you can visit in person.

The 30-second test

1. Do not give out any information on a call you did not start. 2. Hang up. 3. Call us at (860) 774-1243 and ask. We will tell you if the program is real, and if it is, we will help you apply for free.

A real benefits check-up is different

Our benefits check-up is free, no one will ever call you to sell it, and nothing you answer is saved or shared unless you ask us for help. You answer a few questions, see which programs you might qualify for, and decide what to do next. That is all.

If you think you were scammed

Call us first — we will help you figure out the next step. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call United Way 2-1-1 for a referral. Acting quickly matters, and there is no shame in it — these callers are professionals.

Questions? Call the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center at (860) 774-1243, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.