You can encounter a Medicare scam by phone, email, text, social media—or even at your front door. Whether scammers pretend to represent Medicare, an insurance company, or a doctor’s office, their goal is the same: to get their hands on your Medicare number and other personal information and use it for their own personal gain. 

Knowing the warning signs of a Medicare scam can help you stop fraud before it happens. 

5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam

Below, learn about these five common red flags, what to do if something doesn’t seem right, and how to protect your personal information.

What is a Medicare scam?

“In a Medicare scam, one or more criminals pretend to be from Medicare or another known organization. Their goal is to trick benficiaries into sharing their Medicare or Social Security number (or in some cases, making a payment). Most often, scammers use this information to commit identity theft. They submit bogus Medicare claims in the beneficiary’s name to obtain health care services, supplies, or even prescription drugs.

Earlier this year, a former California teacher pleaded guilty to helping carry out a $51 million Medicare fraud scheme involving orthotic braces beneficiaries did not request or use. The group submitted fraudulent claims using fake prescriptions and received about $20 million from Medicare. The teacher admitted to helping launder at least $14 million and paying $3.7 million in kickbacks to sham marketing companies. 

Sadly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Senior Medicare Patrol estimates that fraud, errors, and abuse cost Medicare about $60 billion each year, although the true amount is difficult to determine.¹

“Medicare scams are tough to detect as they’re happening, so the true cost is probably much higher,” said Ryan Ramsey, Associate Director of Health Care and Benefits at NCOA. “And Medicare isn’t the only one that pays the price. Older adults whose Medicare numbers are stolen may face copayments or reach coverage limits for services they never received.”

Fraudulent claims can also become part of a person’s Medicare record. This may make it harder for health care providers to see an accurate picture of the patient’s medical history and determine what care they really need.

What are the most common Medicare scams?

For instance, someone may call you offering a “free” medical device, or ask you to confirm your Medicare number. They may even threaten to terminate your Medicare benefits. When they get your personal information, they use it to bill Medicare for services or supplies you never received, or they may steal your identity entirely to commit other crimes (identity theft). 

Medicare scammers often use the phone to find their targets, but they may also reach out via email, text messages, and postal mail. They may pose as Medicare representatives, health care providers, medical supply vendors, or insurance agents. “The tricky part is that scammers can sound very professional and persuasive over the phone,” Ramsey explained. “Increasingly, they also use technology like AI to create convincing websites, emails, and print materials that appear to be from trustworthy organizations.” 

Learning all you can about Medicare scams can help you stay one step ahead of these criminals.

What are the warning signs of a Medicare scam?

Look out for these red flags to keep yourself and others safe:

1. Promises of free items or services: Be suspicious of any offers involving no-cost medical supplies, medical care, or prescription medications. Many scammers will offer older adults valuable medical equipment, persuade them to share their Medicare number, and then use that information to file high-cost Medicare claims in the beneficiary’s name. Also, beware of offers for free genetic testing or screenings that were not ordered by your physician. This is a known Medicare scam.
2. Pressure to switch your Medicare plan: A scammer, often claiming to be from Medicare, may say you're “pre-approved” for a new health care plan or drug plan with lower premiums or better benefits. They may tell you there’s a fee to enroll in this new plan.
3. Notices to renew or upgrade your Medicare card: A fraudster may call and say you need to activate, renew, or upgrade your Medicare card. They may ask for your Medicare number to “verify” your account, or they may request that you pay a processing fee.
4. Threats to cancel your coverage: You may receive a call stating there’s a problem with your Medicare account, such as fraudulent activity. The caller says your benefits will be canceled if you don’t immediately verify your personal information or join a new plan.
5. Claims you’re eligible for a refund: Another common Medicare scam tactic is telling older adults they qualify for a refund due to changes in their plan. The scammer may ask for your Medicare number—and even your bank account details.

How can I protect myself from Medicare scams?

Scammers are everywhere, and Medicare scams can happen to anyone. The tips below can help you keep your personal information safe.

• Avoid sharing your Medicare number with people who contact you out of the blue: Do not provide your Medicare card, Medicare number, Social Security card, or Social Security number to anyone but your doctor, pharmacy, or people who work with Medicare to assist beneficiaries. Protect these numbers just like you would protect your credit card, debit card, or bank account information. It’s important to know that Medicare will not call you unless you’ve specifically asked for help. And if they do call you in response to a request, they will not need your information since they’ll already have it on file.
  
  Does your caller ID show a legitimate-looking phone number? Don’t be fooled. Scammers can spoof (or fake) their number to make it look like the call is coming from a government agency or other known organization. Also, don’t be surprised if the caller has some basic information about you. With the internet, those details are easy to find today. If someone unfamiliar calls asking you for personal details, simply hang up.
• Be wary of Facebook Medicare ads: Misleading Medicare ads that may be designed to steal your personal information are rampant on this popular social media platform. According to watchdog group the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), Medicare scam ads on Facebook received more than 215 million views in the past year, nearly six times the number recorded in all previous years combined. Current tactics include politically branded ads featuring phony Medicare plan endorsements from well-known politicians. Other ads targeting older adults offer thousands of dollars in "free benefits" through Medicare Advantage plans.
• Do not click on suspicious links: Criminals create fake email addresses to make it seem like their messages are coming directly from Medicare. These emails may send you to a website that looks authentic. Do not respond to unexpected emails or text messages or click on any links they contain—even if the communication looks real.
  
  If you need to update your information, log in to your Medicare account at Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or talk to a trusted advisor.
• Do not be afraid of threats to terminate benefits: If you qualify for Medicare, your benefits will not be taken away for reasons scammers typically use, like not signing up for a certain plan.
• Do not speak to anyone who tries to persuade you to choose a certain plan: Ignore claims that any policy is “preferred by Medicare." This is not true. Medicare does not endorse a specific plan.
• Destroy your old Medicare card: Some scammers may claim you need to return your old card. They are lying to you. If you receive a new card from Medicare, destroy your old one immediately. Medicare does not need it. Cut it up with scissors or a shredder and start using your new one right away.
• Protect your medical records: Do not allow anyone but your doctor or other health care providers to review your personal medical information.
• Do not accept unauthorized genetic testing kits: If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail, and your doctor didn't order it, refuse the delivery outright or return it to the sender.

How do I report Medicare scams?

If you or someone you know is a victim of a Medicare scam, take action by reporting it:

• Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
• Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center by calling 1-877-808-2468 or use their online contact form.
• Submit a report online to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do Medicare scams increase during Open Enrollment?

Yes. Fraudulent activity tends to ramp up during the yearly Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7), when beneficiaries are encouraged to review their health care coverage and make any necessary changes.

Does Medicare ever call you?

Rarely. Medicare may call you in limited situations, such as returning a call or following up on a request you made. But Medicare will not call out of the blue to sell you something, threaten to cancel your benefits, or ask for your Medicare number or other personal information. If you’re unsure about a phone call, hang up and call them directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What can a scammer do with your Medicare number?

A scammer can use your Medicare number to bill Medicare for medical care, equipment, tests, or supplies you never received. This can lead to fraudulent charges and inaccurate information in your medical records. You may even have trouble getting services you need that Medicare has already been (fraudulently) billed for.

How can you tell whether a Medicare call is legitimate?

Be suspicious if an unexpected caller asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or payment. Other warning signs include threats, pressure to act immediately, promises of “free” medical products, or claims you need a new Medicare card. When in doubt, hang up and contact Medicare directly using the number on your Medicare card.

How can you get unbiased Medicare advice?

Medicare enrollment choices can be tough to make—and if you don't take time to ensure you’re not overpaying or missing out on important services, it could cost you. That's where your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. These organizations offer expert, unbiased counseling to Medicare-eligible people as well as their families and caregivers. Best of all, this service is 100% free. Find your local SHIP now.

Source

1.  Senior Medicare Patrol. Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. June 2026. Found on the internet at https://smpresource.org/mfpw/medicare-fraud-prevention-week/