Medicare scams are a year-round concern, but this month warrants special attention. Open enrollment runs from October 1 - 31, and it's prime time for scammers to try to steal your money and identity.

Recently a distinctive robocall has bombarded many of the more than 60 million Americans who get their health care via Medicare, and AARP's Fraud Watch Network helpline has been flooded with complaints about these genetic-testing calls. It goes like this:

"Hi, this is Becky, your patient advocate working closely with Medicare. Currently, Medicare is offering precautionary genetic cancer screening nationwide and has recommended that anyone over the age of 50 be tested. These tests help to detect early signs of cancer and are covered by your insurance. If you do not act soon, Medicare may label you as ineligible for coverage. Please press 1 to speak to a specialist.…"

Learn more about recognizing signs of a phone scam and protecting yourself here.