The Better Business Bureau has seen a steady increase in Medicare-related scams in Eastern Washington and northern Idaho since the beginning of the year, with about five to 10 seniors calling per week after receiving a suspicious phone call.

In some cases, the caller claims the senior needs to receive a new Medicare card, and has the senior's address, zip code and phone number.

The BBB advises people to not give out bank account information, Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers or any personal information to unknown people over the phone, especially telemarketers claiming to be from Medicare.

Only give insurance and Medicare information to those who have provided you with medical services and do not sign blank Medicare insurance forms, the BBB says.

For more information, call 509-455-4200 or go to www.bbb.org.