Area IV Agency on Aging reminds Medicare beneficiaries that there are still 40 days to sign up for the prescription drug benefit.

Since the sign up period began on Nov. 15, there have been reports about Medicare receiving complaints from Indiana beneficiaries. While the complaints have been lodged against a number of companies, investigators believe they are actually the same company based outside the U.S. These complaints are investigated and referred to federal law enforcement.

During these final days of open enrollment, it is important to safeguard personal information.

+Don't give anyone your Medicare, social security or bank account numbers.

+Don't sign any blank forms.

+Don't sign up for a drug program until you verify it.

If you experience anyone pushing you to act quickly, you may become a victim of fraud. Call the local Area Agency on Aging immediately at 1-800986-3505. The Area Agencies on Aging can investigate the claim in a confidential manner.