Fraud Prevention
Medicare Scam Calls: How Seniors Can Spot and Stop Them
Learn the most common Medicare scam warning signs, how to protect your Medicare number, what to do if someone contacts you unexpectedly, and where to report suspected fraud.
Before you give anyone your Medicare number, stop and verify.
Know the playbook
Medicare scams seniors should watch for
Fake Medicare card replacement calls
Callers claim you need a new Medicare card and ask you to 'verify' your number. There is no general new-card program.
'Your Medicare card is expiring' scams
Medicare cards do not expire on a schedule. This is a lie used to pressure you into giving up your number.
Requests for your Medicare number
A legitimate call will not demand your Medicare number out of the blue. Treat any such request as a red flag.
Fake genetic testing offers
Scammers offer 'free' cheek-swab or DNA cancer tests to bill Medicare and harvest your number.
Durable medical equipment scams
Unsolicited offers of 'free' braces, wheelchairs, or supplies billed to Medicare without your doctor.
Calls offering 'free' braces or supplies
If a caller offers free medical equipment and asks for your Medicare number, it is a scam.
Medicare Advantage impersonation
Callers pose as a Medicare Advantage plan to collect your personal and Medicare details, especially during Open Enrollment.
Fake refunds or reimbursement calls
A caller claims Medicare owes you a refund and needs your bank details to 'send' it. Medicare does not work this way.
Door-to-door or unsolicited enrollment pressure
No one should show up or call to pressure you into enrolling. Legitimate enrollment is your choice, on your timeline.
Phishing texts and emails pretending to be Medicare
Fake texts and emails with links that steal your information. Medicare does not text or email you to verify your number.
Check the caller
How to know whether a Medicare call is legitimate
- Medicare will not unexpectedly call, text, email, or message you to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or payment. In limited situations Medicare may contact you, but if you are unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
- Medicare will not ask you to verify or 'confirm' your Medicare number by phone.
- Medicare will never threaten to cancel your benefits to rush you.
- Medicare will never ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
- Medicare will never send someone to your home to sell equipment or check your card.
- When in doubt, hang up and call Medicare yourself at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Guard these
Never give these details to an unexpected caller
- Your Medicare number
- Your Social Security number
- Your banking details
- Your credit or debit card details
- One-time verification or security codes
Take action
What to do if you think you've been targeted
If a call, text, or visit felt suspicious — even if you gave nothing away — take a breath and act. Reporting helps stop the scammer from reaching the next senior.
Fraud Reporting Quick Guide
Keep trusted fraud-reporting contacts in one easy-to-use place.
Download the Free Guide (opens in a new tab)Before you act
Use the PROVE IT™ Method before you respond
The best defense against a Medicare scam call is a moment to think. The PROVE IT™ Method is five simple steps — Pause, Review for red flags, Obtain a second opinion, Verify independently, and End the interaction if unsure — you can use before you give anyone your Medicare number.
Learn the PROVE IT™ MethodWhere to report
Trusted Medicare fraud resources
Medicare — Report Fraud
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
smpresource.org (opens in a new tab)HHS Office of Inspector General
oig.hhs.gov (opens in a new tab)
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare call seniors unexpectedly?
Medicare will not unexpectedly call, text, email, or message you to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or payment. In limited situations Medicare may contact you, but if you are unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
Will Medicare ask for my Medicare number over the phone?
No. Medicare will not call and ask you to confirm or verify your Medicare number. If a caller does, hang up and call Medicare yourself at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Can scammers fake Medicare's phone number on caller ID?
Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed, so a call may appear to come from Medicare even when it does not. If you are unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
Is Medicare sending new cards this year?
No. There is no general new-card program. Scammers use the 'new card' story to get your Medicare number. Your card only changes if Medicare tells you directly by official mail.
What should I do if I already gave a scammer my Medicare number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE as soon as possible, review your Medicare statements for unfamiliar services or equipment, and report suspicious activity. You may also want to contact the FTC and your local Senior Medicare Patrol.
How do I report Medicare fraud?
Report it to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or medicare.gov, and to the HHS Office of Inspector General. Our Fraud Reporting Quick Guide lists these and more in one place.
Are 'free' braces or medical equipment offers always scams?
Not every legitimate Medicare-covered item is fraudulent, but unsolicited calls offering 'free' equipment and asking for your Medicare number are a major warning sign. Verify the offer independently with Medicare or your healthcare provider before sharing information.
Can someone steal my identity with my Medicare number?
Yes. Your Medicare number can be used to commit medical identity theft and bill Medicare for services you never received. Protect it like you protect your Social Security number.
What is a Medicare genetic testing scam?
Scammers offer a 'free' cheek-swab or DNA cancer-screening test, then use your Medicare number to bill for tests you didn't need. Decline any unsolicited genetic-testing offer.
What should I do if someone says my Medicare card is expiring?
Hang up. Medicare cards do not expire on a schedule, and Medicare will not call to say yours is expiring. It is a scam to get your number.