Fraud and scams targeting older people are on the rise, but people are on the lookout and are ready to fight back. Sweepstakes, identity theft and internet scams are a perpetual problem and now, fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid is becoming a multibillion-dollar issue.

All you might see is your co-pay but a scam artist sees riches.

"It really flies under the radar," said Derrick Yukio, from the Sage Watch program.

He's talking about Medicare and Medicaid fraud, a multi-billion dollar nationwide problem that's hitting Hawaii hard.

"Our kupuna are very trusting, there's a lot of aloha and that's what's really endearing about our state, but at the same time those are the qualities that unscrupulous folks take advantage of,” said Yukio.

Unscrupulous enough to use your own Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary number as their ticket to fraud.

KHON2s Action Line volunteers are trained on what to watch for, under the guidance of the state's Sage Watch program. Red flags are everything from incorrect or over-billing, to power scooter deals that turn into a bait and switch.

"If fraud isn't put to a curb, we will see a true problem facing our community," said Yukio. "Whether it be higher co-pays or premiums, or maybe lack of services that we are able to provide."

A related program called the Senior Fraud Squad is a collaboration of the state, law enforcement, AARP and the better business bureau... All to help keep seniors' money in their own control in the face of scams like sweepstakes and counterfeit checks.

"All of that is just luring you to either giving up information about yourself for identity theft, or it's going to be taking money out of your pockets," said Bonnie Horibata with the Better Business Bureau.

If you have a consumer complaint or a concern about a senior scam or medical fraud, call Action Line at 591-0222.