Indianapolis, IN – In June, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began mailing new, more secure cards to Medicare beneficiaries in Indiana. The old cards displayed the beneficiary’s Social Security number (SSN). Identity thieves frequently use SSNs to steal identities, open credit cards or take out loans in someone else’s name. While the new cards do not have SSNs, scammers may use this transition period to try to steal personal information. The Indiana Department of Insurance provides the following information for Medicare beneficiaries: You do not need to pay for a new Medicare card. Do not give your Medicare number to people you do not know or have not contacted first. Do not let strangers help complete applications or forms that include personal information. Do not give financial information to people you do not know. Do not believe anyone who tells you that your Medicare will be canceled unless you give them your Medicare number. Destroy your old Medicare card once you receive the new one. You can find more information about the new Medicare cards at Medicare.gov. If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact Indiana’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 317-205-9201.