Overview
Medicare scams specifically target seniors and people with disabilities who depend on Medicare benefits. Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal information, bill for services never provided, or trick beneficiaries into sharing their Medicare numbers. These schemes can result in identity theft, unauthorized charges to Medicare accounts, and loss of benefits. Understanding how to verify legitimate Medicare communications is essential for protecting your healthcare coverage.
How This Scam Works
Callers posing as Medicare representatives claim your card needs to be updated or replaced, then ask for your Medicare number and personal details.
Scammers offer free medical equipment, genetic testing, or health screenings in exchange for your Medicare number, then bill Medicare for services you never received.
Fake Medicare websites collect personal and financial information under the pretense of enrollment or benefit verification.
Door-to-door visitors claim to be from Medicare and pressure you into signing up for unnecessary services or sharing your information.
Warning Signs
Real Scam Examples
These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.
Hello, this is Sarah from Medicare Services. We are issuing new Medicare cards and need to verify your information to send your replacement. Can you please confirm your Medicare number and date of birth?
MEDICARE ALERT: Your benefits are at risk of suspension. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX immediately to verify your enrollment and avoid losing coverage.
How to Protect Yourself
1Guard your Medicare number
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Never share it with unsolicited callers, visitors, or in response to texts and emails.
2Know that Medicare will not call you unsolicited
Medicare does not call beneficiaries to sell products, ask for personal information, or threaten benefit cancellation. If someone calls claiming to be Medicare, hang up.
3Review your Medicare statements
Check your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits for services you did not receive. Report any discrepancies to 1-800-MEDICARE.
4Report Medicare fraud
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program to report suspected fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
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