October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protect Yourself During Medicare AEP

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it couldn’t come at a more important time for Medicare beneficiaries. With the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) in full swing, this is one of the busiest — and most vulnerable — times of year for seniors. Unfortunately, it’s also when scammers ramp up their efforts to steal personal and financial information.

The good news? A little awareness can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your loved ones.

🚨 Why Scammers Target AEP

During AEP, millions of Americans are reviewing, comparing, and switching Medicare plans. This increased activity creates the perfect cover for criminals to impersonate carriers, agents, or even Medicare itself.

Many of these scams are sophisticated — using real logos, professional-sounding scripts, and even fake caller IDs. Their goal is simple: to get your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information.

Common tactics include:

• Fake “Medicare agent” calls offering “special enrollment deals” or “new benefits.”

• Emails or texts with phishing links that lead to fake enrollment websites.

• Mailers that look official but are designed to collect your information.

• Unauthorized plan switches made after obtaining stolen data.

🧠 Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How to Protect Yourself During Medicare AEP

You don’t have to be an expert in technology to keep your information safe. A few practical steps can make a big difference:

1. Never share your Medicare number or personal details with unsolicited callers. Medicare will not call you to offer new plans.

2. Verify the source of any communication. If it seems suspicious, hang up and call your trusted agent or carrier directly.

3. Look closely at emails and websites. Misspellings, odd links, or unfamiliar domains are common warning signs.

4. Avoid clicking links in texts or emails unless you initiated the contact.

5. Use a trusted licensed insurance advisor to help with your plan changes.

🧭 How Couvillier Advisors Helps Keep You Safe

At Couvillier Advisors, your security is just as important as your coverage. We work directly with trusted insurance carriers to make sure your plan changes are handled securely and correctly.

If you ever receive a call, email, or piece of mail that doesn’t feel right — do not respond. Instead, contact us immediately. Our team can help verify if it’s legitimate and guide you through next steps.

Your Medicare coverage decisions should be made with confidence — not fear of scams.

✅ Final Thoughts

As technology advances, so do scam tactics — and during Medicare AEP, criminals know exactly when to strike. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, stay alert and work with trusted professionals who can protect your personal information and your Medicare benefits.

In addition to being cautious with calls, emails, and websites, consider adding an extra layer of security with an identity theft protection plan. These services can help monitor suspicious activity, alert you to potential fraud, and provide support if your information is ever compromised.

👉 Click here to explore identity theft protection options and take proactive steps to keep your personal information safe.

If you have questions or concerns about any Medicare communications, contact our office first. A quick call could save you from a costly mistake.