"If someone is asking you for payments before November 15, it's a scam!" warns Susan Grant who heads fraud.org (www.fraud.org) the Web site run by the National Consumers League. "It's important for people to know that although the advertising for Medicare drug plans stared on October 1, enrollment doesn't begin until November 15," Grant points out. "So nobody should be asking for your personal information before then."

A legitimate Medicare drug plan may request your Social Security number, but only when you are actually enrolling.

The new drug plans, which will be offered by private companies and organizations, "must meet specific federal standards," Grant explains, and they must be approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

You can check to see if a plan is Medicare-approved at www.medicare.gov or by calling toll-free, 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.)

Remember: no one from a government agency will ever call and ask for your Social Security number. If someone says you must join their plan or lose your other Medicare benefits, it's a scam.

These con artists are clever, so be careful, be skeptical and don't let anyone rush you or high-pressure you into doing anything.

For more information:

Medicare Rx Drug Plan Scams

Washington State residents can call the Statewide Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 to request a "senior packet" about the new drug plans.

SHIBA HelpLine - Medicare Rx benefits

Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program Part D

The Washington State Insurance Commissioner's office is holding workshops around the state to explain the new prescription drug program. Click here for a calendar: fortress.wa.gov/oic/shibaeventcal/oic_calendar.asp