All scams come with a great sales pitch, such as this one: "Do you or someone you know suffer from arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, back aches, swelling, muscle soreness, inflammation in the hands or ankles? If so, help is on the way. You can qualify for the new Medicare-Approved Arthritis Kit. And the best part is it's free if you have Medicare Part A and B."

What is the truth behind this most recent scam designed to steal Medicare benefits?

"There is no such item as a Medicare-approved arthritis kit," said a Central Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center spokesman. "People who approach you and offer these items are charging Medicare for items they do not provide, are billing Medicare for $1,000 or more, but give items worth less than $100, give items that do not fit medical needs and are making lots of money by stealing your health-care dollars."

Be alert, said the spokesman. "Do not accept items you did not request or without talking to your physician. Don't give out Medicare numbers or personal information to people who come to your door, call you on the phone or you meet at a health fair. And do not let people try to force you to take something you do not want. You have the power to say no."

Fight back by reporting fraud. Anyone who thinks they may be a victim should report suspicious behavior or circumstances to the Texas SMP, which empowers seniors to prevent health-care fraud, at (713) 341-6184 or (888) 341-6187.

The Texas SMP is a program of the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation. For more information about Medicare-fraud prevention, visit the Web site at www.smpresource.org.