Key takeaways

Medicare will not contact you out of the blue to ask for your number or payment. If someone does, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

  • Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically, the FTC says. You never pay for a card.
  • Medicare.gov says Medicare will never call to sell you anything or visit you at home.
  • Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Share it only with your doctor and people who should have it.

Got a name, website, or phone number from the caller? Check the scam directory.

How Medicare and health insurance scams work

The FTC describes a common version: someone contacts you and says you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card, then asks for your Medicare, bank, or credit card number. The caller can sound professional, know some of your details, and even show Medicare’s name on caller ID, which can be faked. With your number, a scammer can bill Medicare for services you never received or open the way to identity theft.

A second version sells “free” medical items. The Senior Medicare Patrol, a program that helps people spot and report Medicare fraud, reports callers offering free genetic testing who then bill Medicare thousands of dollars, sometimes for tests that are never run. The same pattern shows up with braces and other equipment: the offer is free to you, but your Medicare number is the price.

A third version targets plan choices. Medicare.gov warns against pressure to join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help. Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and the FTC says scams tend to increase during that period. Pressure and a deadline also feature in government impersonation scams.

Eight warning signs

  1. An unexpected call, text, or email from “Medicare”. The FTC says true Medicare representatives will not call, text, or email you out of the blue, and Medicare only asks you to verify information if you contact it first.
  2. A “new” or “updated” Medicare card. The FTC says scammers claim you need a new card and ask for your Medicare, bank, or credit card number. Real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically.
  3. Caller ID that shows Medicare. The FTC warns that caller ID can be faked. A professional voice and a few correct personal details prove nothing.
  4. Pressure to join a plan over the phone. Medicare.gov says not to join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help. Scams tend to rise during Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
  5. A sales call or home visit. Medicare.gov says Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home.
  6. A “free” test, brace, or equipment that needs your Medicare number. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) reports callers offering free genetic testing who then bill Medicare thousands of dollars, sometimes for tests never run. If something is free, you should not need to give your Medicare number.
  7. Money or gifts offered for medical care. Medicare.gov lists offers of money or gifts in exchange for free medical care as a warning sign. Say no.
  8. Charges on your statements that do not match your care. Medicare.gov says to check each service and charge against your calendar, and to call the provider about anything you think is wrong.

How to check a Medicare request in two minutes

  1. Do not give your Medicare number, bank details, or Social Security number to an unexpected caller.
  2. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask whether the request is real.
  3. Log in to your secure Medicare.gov account to review your claims and order a replacement card if you need one.
  4. For help comparing plans, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or use Medicare.gov.
  5. Tell a family member. Scammers prefer to work on one person who feels rushed.

If you already gave your number or paid

Act on what you gave. These steps follow the FTC’s and Medicare.gov’s advice.

  1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and report what happened. Medicare.gov asks you to call if you suspect fraud. If you have a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, you can call I-MEDIC at 1-877-772-3379 instead.
  2. Review your claims on your secure Medicare.gov account and with your statements. Call the provider about charges you do not recognize.
  3. If you paid by card, bank, or gift card, contact the provider at once. Follow the FTC’s steps on its what to do if you were scammed page.
  4. If you gave your Social Security number or ID details, report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
  5. Report it officially. See the list below.
  6. Do not pay a “recovery” service. See recovery scams.

Where to report

More help from official sources

Scambaba is an independent educational project. Reporting and recovery options depend on where you live. How these guides are researched is on the editorial policy.

Frequently asked questions

Will Medicare call me about a new card?

No. The FTC says real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically, and true Medicare representatives will not call, text, or email you out of the blue. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you are unsure.

Who should I give my Medicare number to?

Medicare.gov says to share your Medicare card and number only with your doctor or people who should have it, such as insurers acting for you or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor.

Is “free” genetic testing really free?

The Senior Medicare Patrol reports scammers offering free genetic testing and then billing Medicare thousands of dollars. If something is truly free, you should not need to provide your Medicare number.

Where do I report Medicare fraud?

Medicare.gov says to call 1-800-MEDICARE or report through the HHS Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov. The FTC also asks you to report impersonators at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and your local Senior Medicare Patrol can help.

Who can help me compare plans safely?

The FTC points to your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Medicare.gov for help comparing costs, coverage, and plans.