Hospice is an invaluable service that focuses on quality of life for people approaching the end of their lives. It seems unbelievable that a service for families in some of their most vulnerable moments would be used by scammers to separate people from their money, but that’s the latest warning from federal officials.

The Federal Trade Commission said scammers are increasingly trying to commit hospice fraud by promising things such as in-home cooking and cleaning in exchange for a person’s Medicare information, including their number.

“Scammers are targeting older adults — with calls, texts, emails, fake ads, and even door-to-door visits — claiming they’ll set you up with services like free cooking, cleaning, and home health care. What they likely won’t tell you is how: They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice — that’s right, hospice — care. Then, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name,” FTC Consumer Education Specialist Kira Krown wrote in a blog post.

Hospice care is a specialized service, often done at home, for people with terminal illnesses. Only a doctor can determine if a patient is eligible for hospice and if you’re signed up for the service and don’t need it, it could affect your Medicare coverage in the future.

“Anyone who tells you differently is a scammer,” Krown wrote.

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To protect yourself, FTC recommends:

• Never give your Medicare number to someone offering “free” services like housekeeping or cooking. Medicare doesn’t offer free services like that.
• Never agree to sign up for hospice care in exchange for perks or gifts like money, gift cards, or groceries.
• Know that Medicare will never come to your home to sign you up for services. If someone comes to your door, says they’re from Medicare, and tries to get you to sign up for services, they’re lying. Don’t give them any information.

If you think you’ve been a victim of hospice fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help.