Protecting your privacy and identifying scams

Tips to protect your personal information.

Keeping your personal information secure and confidential is one of our most important responsibilities. We maintain the highest standards of conduct at Sharp, have strict privacy policies, and use a combination of industry-leading security measures to stop unauthorized people from accessing your information online, like:

• Firewalls and security systems: These protect our computer networks so we can keep your information safe and secure.
• Security updates: We regularly update our security technology.
• Virus protection software: This protects our systems against viruses and phishing.
• Email security: We secure our email systems.
• Continuous monitoring: We monitor our websites and portals 24/7.
• Two factor authentication: Our Sharp Health Plan online account and app use two factor authentication to ensure your privacy and safety .

Below are some additional best practices you can take to further protect your privacy online. By following these tips and staying alert, you can help reduce your risk of online security threats.

• Secure websites: Make sure the website address starts with "https://" and has a lock icon.
• Strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Consider using a password manager.
• Be cautious of phishing: Be careful with emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information.
• Review statements: Check your statements and bills for any suspicious charges.
• Keep software updated: Update your operating system, browser, and security software regularly.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Be careful when using public Wi-Fi for sensitive information.

Identifying and reporting scams:

Phone scams are common, especially those related to health care and insurance. Scammers may pretend to be from a health plan, Medicare, or a government agency and use fear or urgency to get information from you.

To protect yourself from scam calls:

• Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or texts offering deals or asking for information.


• Never share personal or financial information unless you placed the call and know who you are speaking with. Sharp Health Plan will never call to ask for your one-time passcode, password, or full financial information.


• Be cautious with callers asking about your health coverage, benefits, prescription information or medical equipment.
• Medicare does not make unsolicited phone calls. A good way to avoid unwanted calls is to register your number on the federal “Do Not Call” list. You can do this by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register or online at www.donotcall.gov
• A common Medicare scam involves fake claims for medical equipment like wheelchairs or walkers. If you get an unexpected call offering equipment your doctor didn’t order, hang up — medical suppliers are not allowed to make these calls.


• If in doubt, please contact us directly at the telephone number on the back of your Sharp Health Plan member ID card to check if a communication from us is legitimate.


• Be alert to warning signs such as pressure to act quickly, requests for payment or penalties, or offers that sound too good to be true.


• Dial toll-free numbers slowly and carefully to avoid scams that use numbers similar to real organizations.

Further security tips:

• Be selective about sharing: Be careful about what you share online, especially on social media.
• Deactivate unused accounts: Close or delete accounts you no longer use.
• Stay informed: Keep up with common scams to protect yourself better. You can learn more from the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.