Senior Fraud Prevention

Watch out for scammers

At Highmark, we're committed to bringing awareness of senior financial fraud and educating our valued members.

In 2023, those over the age of 60 had over $3.4 billion in losses and averaged $33,915 per person.

These scams can start with a simple phone call with someone pretending to be from a bank, credit card company, or employer. They might even come from someone posing as law enforcement, stating a loved one needs urgent help.

These calls cause concern, fear, and confusion — and create a sense of urgency to get you to give out personal and financial information.

Watch this video to learn how you can protect yourself and loved ones.

WATCH VIDEO

^{By accessing this video, I understand that I am leaving the Highmark website and I will be re-directed to an external website operated by a third-party platform provider. I acknowledge that the platform provider may collect personal information about me, and about the video that I view, on their platform and may use and disclose this information in accordance with its privacy policy. I agree that Highmark is not responsible for the data collection and use practices of this third party.}

Some ways to protect yourself are:

1. Don't answer the phone if you don’t know the number.
2. Don't be too trusting.
3. If you're unsure if it’s real, tell the person you'll call them back. For example, if someone says they're calling from your bank, hang up and call your bank directly to verify.
4. Don't give out your birthday, social security numbers, bank numbers or anything personal.
5. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for "give us money and we'll give you money" scams.
6. Hang up the phone — and don't feel bad.
7. Always verify websites; don't trust a link that comes in an unsolicited email or text message.
8. Don't complete unsolicited surveys or pop-ups.
9. Safeguard financial, medical, and personal information.
10. Shred documents, close old bank and credit accounts, and never give anyone your pin, password, or medical information.

For more information on what you can do to protect yourself, read Facts for Keeping You and Your Family Safe (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and Facts for Keeping You and Your Family Safe (Blue Shield)

Scammers don't just stop at phone calls. They also use text, messaging apps, and social media.

If you are a Highmark member, you may receive text messages or emails from us. The number and emails below are safe Highmark accounts.

• You may receive text messages from "54467" — save this number in your contacts so you know the messages are coming from us.
• Depending on your plan, you may receive emails from:
  • noreply@email.highmarkbcbs.com
  • noreply@email.highmarkblueshield.com

^{* Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Elder Fraud Report, 2022.}

If you suspect a fraud issue, report it on the FBI website at ic3.gov.