Associated Press | Seniors on Medicare should be aware that con
artists may try to trick them into providing personal information to
get a rebate check. Don’t fall for it. That’s the warning Wednesday
from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The first $250 rebate checks are being mailed this week to seniors in Medicare’s drug coverage gap, known as the “doughnut hole.”

The checks are a benefit of the new federal health law. They reimburse seniors for money spent on prescription drugs.

Checks go out automatically. And Madigan says consumers shouldn’t provide any personal information to anyone who calls them about a rebate.

Consumers can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report possible scams.