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How to Identify Scams and Protect Yourself

Date: 12/02/24

Scams are increasing every year and have reached an all-time high. We want to help you protect yourself if a scammer contacts you.

If you get an unexpected call from Sunflower and aren’t sure it’s really us, you can ask for the caller’s first and last name. Then call our Customer Service number to confirm that the caller is truly from Sunflower. No one who works for Sunflowerwill be upset if you ask to do this.

Note: When you call Customer Service, they will ask you to confirm your identity by giving your date of birth and member ID.

You can find our number on our website, in your member handbook, or on the back of your ID card: toll free 1-877-644-4623.

Sunflower Health Plan:

  • MIGHT contact you by phone, text, email or mail.
  • MIGHT notify you when it’s time to renew your KanCare coverage. These messages will refer you to KanCare.
  • WILL make social media posts and respond to comments on our official account.
  • WILL NOT ask you to pay a fee to apply or reapply for Medicaid.
  • WILL NOT ask for credit/debit card number, password or mother’s maiden name.
  • WILL NOT threaten you or your family.
  • WILL NOT request payment via gift card, PayPal/CashApp/Venmo, bitcoin or cash.

If someone claiming to be from Sunflower Health Plan contacts you and asks for payment or threatens legal action, do not give them any information and end the call.

Common Scams

Phishing – Phishing is a method for trying to get data, like bank account numbers. They may send a fake request in email or on a website. The criminal pretends to be a real business or honest person.

Criminals can use instant messaging, social media posts, text messages, QR codes and even the telephone to try to scam you for your personal information. They may want you to click a link, download an attachment or return a phone call.

Vishing – When a scammer uses a phone call to trick you, this is called vishing (voice phishing). This is different from phone spam or marketing robo-calls.

Vishers could pretend to be someone from your employer, your health provider or your insurance carrier. They may call about an urgent matter and ask for your information. In some cases, the caller may act like they are in trouble or that you are in trouble. Their goal is to get you to share information.

You could also receive a text from a visher. They may ask victim to call a toll-free number in order to "verify" information before something bad happens. They may say your bank account will be frozen or you will lose access to benefits. An automated system will answer the call and ask for more information. The system will then reject the login attempts, causing the victim enter PINs or passwords multiple times.

Avoid Scams

Always be careful where, how and with whom you share your information. Here are a few more tips:

  • Confirm the identity of the person contacting you. If you do not recognize the name, phone number, company or email address, be suspicious.
  • Be wary of emails that may contain strange links, fake orders or receipts, or requests for personal information.
  • Watch for messages that cause strong emotions, project a position of authority or make the request seem very urgent.
  • Do not give an unexpected caller your personal information over the phone. Criminals can record your voice. They may use any information you give.
  • Be suspicious about any unknown sender, request or offer you didn’t sign up for.
  • Think before you click or open an attachment. Is it from a trusted sender? Is the request legitimate?
  • Don’t click on links in emails or texts from unknown senders.

Report Scams

If you were scammed or become aware of a scam, you can report it.

If possible, when you realize a call is a scam, ask the caller these questions if you wish to report the scam:

  • Who are you?
  • What information would you need?
  • What number can I call you back at after I have collected what you need?