On a Saturday night, a senior in Bayfield got a strange call. Merilyn Cross wants to alert others to the scam.

“I get so worried about seniors,” said Cross, 76. “You wouldn’t want others to fall for it.”

The caller informed her that Medicare was issuing a new card.

“You perk up for that,” she said.

But Cross became suspicious when the caller asked for personal financial information, such as her bank account numbers.

Cross then hung up and alerted the police and Medicare.

She advises others to do the same if they get the call.

Durango Police Lt. Ray Shupe said she was right to hang up. Legitimate firms or government agencies would not ask for such personal financial information over the telephone.

They would set up an appointment to do it in person.

Shupe said this was the first he heard of this particular scam but added that he would not surprised if he heard of more.

jhaug@durangoherald.com