Medicare Scams Targeting Seniors: Complete Protection Guide

By ParentCareGuide Editorial Team

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually while putting seniors at risk of identity theft, compromised medical records, and financial loss. As scammers develop increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit Medicare beneficiaries, understanding how these scams work and how to protect yourself becomes essential. This comprehensive guide reveals the most common Medicare scams targeting seniors and provides actionable strategies to safeguard your Medicare benefits and personal information.

The Medicare Fraud Crisis

Medicare fraud represents one of the fastest-growing categories of fraud targeting older Americans. The scope of this problem extends far beyond individual victims, affecting the entire healthcare system and driving up costs for everyone.

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that improper payments and fraud cost Medicare approximately $60 billion annually. While not all improper payments result from intentional fraud, a substantial portion involves organized criminal enterprises specifically targeting Medicare beneficiaries to obtain their personal information and submit fraudulent claims.

What makes Medicare scams particularly insidious is that victims often don't realize they've been targeted. Unlike traditional theft where money disappears from a bank account, Medicare fraud typically involves scammers billing Medicare directly. The senior may never see a direct financial loss, making the crime invisible until serious complications arise.

Hidden Consequences of Medicare Fraud:

  • Fraudulent claims appear in your medical records, potentially affecting future care
  • You may exhaust lifetime limits on certain benefits due to fraudulent billing
  • Medicare numbers are sold on the dark web, leading to identity theft
  • Your Medicare benefits could be suspended while fraud is investigated
  • Incorrect medical information could lead to dangerous treatment decisions

Medicare scams spike during certain periods, particularly during Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7) and the Medicare Advantage and Part D Initial Enrollment Period. Scammers exploit the confusion many seniors experience around Medicare rules, deadlines, and coverage options.

The COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities for Medicare fraudsters, with scams involving fake COVID treatments, testing, and equipment. While pandemic-specific scams have evolved, the basic tactics remain: create urgency, offer something free or beneficial, and obtain Medicare numbers and personal information.

Common Medicare Scam Types

Medicare scammers employ various tactics, but most fall into recognizable categories. Understanding these common schemes helps you identify red flags before sharing sensitive information.

Free Medical Equipment Scams

Scammers contact seniors offering "free" back braces, knee braces, diabetic testing supplies, wheelchairs, or other durable medical equipment covered by Medicare. They claim the equipment requires no out-of-pocket cost and only need to verify Medicare information.

Once they obtain the Medicare number, scammers bill Medicare for expensive equipment that's either never delivered, medically unnecessary, or grossly overpriced. Some send cheap, useless items that bear no resemblance to what was promised. These fraudulent claims can total thousands of dollars per victim.

Legitimate durable medical equipment requires a prescription from your doctor and must be ordered through Medicare-approved suppliers. Medicare will never cold-call offering free equipment.

Prescription Drug Scams

These scams involve offers of deeply discounted or free prescription medications, medication discount cards, or prescription delivery services. Scammers may pose as pharmacy representatives, Medicare Part D plan advisors, or drug manufacturers.

The goal is obtaining Medicare numbers and personal information. Some scammers actually provide medications (often counterfeit or obtained illegally) while billing Medicare for legitimate drugs. Others simply steal information without providing anything in return.

Medical Identity Theft

In this increasingly common scam, fraudsters use stolen Medicare numbers to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or medical equipment for themselves or to submit entirely fabricated claims.

Medical identity theft creates dangerous situations when false information enters your medical records. Incorrect blood type, allergies you don't have, or conditions you've never been diagnosed with can lead to medical errors, denied insurance claims, or inappropriate treatment.

Telehealth and COVID-19 Related Scams

Scammers exploit the growth in telehealth services by offering free virtual consultations, COVID-19 testing or treatment, or remote monitoring devices. They collect Medicare information and bill for services never provided or medically unnecessary.

While legitimate telehealth services exist and Medicare covers many of them, you should only engage with providers your doctor refers or you independently verify through Medicare's physician database.

Red Flag Commonalities:

Across all Medicare scam types, watch for these consistent warning signs: unsolicited contact, offers of free items or services, pressure to act immediately, requests for Medicare or Social Security numbers, claims that "Medicare sent us" or "Medicare approved this," and payment requests via gift cards, wire transfer, or cash.

Fake Medicare Card Scams

One of the most persistent Medicare scams involves fraudsters claiming seniors need new or replacement Medicare cards. Understanding how Medicare actually handles card issuance protects you from these sophisticated schemes.

How the Scam Works

Scammers call, email, or even visit homes claiming that:

  • Medicare is issuing new cards due to security updates
  • Your current card is expired or deactivated
  • There's a problem with your Medicare account requiring card replacement
  • You're eligible for an "upgraded" Medicare card with better benefits
  • A small fee is required to process a new card

The scammer then requests personal information to "verify your identity" or "process the new card," including your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank account information, or credit card details for a "processing fee."

Critical Facts About Medicare Cards:

  • Medicare will NEVER call you to issue a new card
  • There is NEVER a fee for a Medicare card
  • Medicare cards don't expire (though information may need updating if you move)
  • If Medicare needs to send a new card, it arrives automatically by mail with no action required
  • You can request a replacement card at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE—these are the ONLY legitimate methods

The New Medicare Card Transition

Scammers heavily exploited the 2018-2019 transition when Medicare removed Social Security numbers from Medicare cards, replacing them with Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs). While that transition is long complete, scammers continue using this tactic, betting that seniors don't remember the timeline or will assume another update is underway.

If Medicare ever conducts another card replacement initiative, information will be available at Medicare.gov weeks or months in advance, and cards will arrive automatically by mail at no cost.

Protecting Yourself

If someone contacts you about a Medicare card issue:

  1. Hang up immediately. Don't engage or ask questions.
  2. Never provide personal information to verify your identity to an unsolicited caller
  3. If you're concerned about your card status, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  4. Check your Medicare.gov account for any official notifications
  5. Report the scam attempt to Medicare's fraud hotline

Remember: legitimate Medicare communications come via official mail to your address on file. Medicare will never initiate contact by phone to request personal information or offer new cards.

Genetic Testing Scams

Genetic testing fraud has emerged as one of the most lucrative and harmful Medicare scams. These schemes exploit seniors' legitimate health concerns while generating massive fraudulent billing to Medicare.

How Genetic Testing Scams Operate

Scammers approach seniors through multiple channels:

  • Health Fairs and Community Events: Setting up booths offering free health screenings and DNA testing
  • Door-to-Door Visits: Representatives claiming to provide free preventive care services
  • Phone Solicitations: Calling to offer free cancer screenings or genetic testing
  • Senior Centers: Presenting themselves as providing community health services
  • Telehealth Scams: Offering free consultations that lead to genetic test orders

The scammer offers "free" genetic testing, often claiming it will screen for cancer risk, identify medication sensitivities, or detect hereditary conditions. They make it sound routine and beneficial, emphasizing that "Medicare covers it completely at no cost to you."

After obtaining the senior's Medicare number and a DNA sample (usually a cheek swab), scammers bill Medicare for extensive genetic testing panels that can cost $10,000 to $25,000 or more per test. These tests are either never actually performed, medically unnecessary, or not ordered by the patient's physician.

The Dual Danger:

Genetic testing scams create two serious risks:

  • Medicare Fraud: Massive fraudulent claims deplete Medicare resources and may affect your future benefit limits
  • Genetic Privacy Theft: Your DNA sample and genetic information may be sold to third parties, creating privacy and discrimination risks

Legitimate Genetic Testing vs. Scams

Medicare does cover genetic testing, but only under specific circumstances:

Legitimate Genetic Testing:

  • Ordered by your treating physician based on your medical history
  • Medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment decisions
  • Performed by Medicare-approved laboratories
  • You discuss the test with your doctor who explains why it's needed
  • Results go to your physician who interprets them in the context of your care

Genetic Testing Scams:

  • Offered unsolicited at health fairs, door-to-door, or by phone
  • Marketed as "free preventive screening" for everyone
  • No physician involvement or medical necessity assessment
  • Pressure to provide Medicare number and DNA sample immediately
  • Vague or exaggerated claims about what the test will detect
  • Results (if provided at all) are generic or meaningless

Protecting Yourself from Genetic Testing Fraud

Follow these guidelines to avoid genetic testing scams:

  • Never accept genetic testing from anyone who approaches you unsolicited
  • Genetic testing should only be discussed with and ordered by your physician
  • Be extremely cautious of free health screenings at non-medical venues
  • Never provide your Medicare number to receive free testing or screening
  • If your doctor recommends genetic testing, verify the lab is Medicare-approved
  • Review your Medicare Summary Notices for genetic testing charges you didn't authorize

If you've already provided a DNA sample and Medicare information for unsolicited genetic testing, contact Medicare immediately to report potential fraud. Monitor your Medicare Summary Notices carefully for unauthorized claims, and consider whether you need to take additional identity theft protection measures.

Medicare Advantage Scams

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) offer an alternative to Original Medicare, and legitimate marketing of these plans is common. However, scammers exploit confusion around Medicare Advantage to commit fraud and make unauthorized plan changes.

Common Medicare Advantage Scam Tactics

Misrepresentation as "Medicare"

Scammers call claiming to be "from Medicare" and saying they need to update your plan or verify your information. They fail to disclose they're actually selling private Medicare Advantage plans, not representing Medicare itself.

This misrepresentation is illegal. Licensed insurance agents must clearly identify themselves and the insurance company they represent. Medicare itself doesn't sell Medicare Advantage plans; private insurance companies do.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Benefits

Fraudulent agents promise benefits that don't exist or greatly exaggerate what Medicare Advantage plans can offer:

  • "Zero copays for everything"
  • "Unlimited dental and vision coverage"
  • "$200 monthly grocery allowance" (real allowances are typically much smaller with restrictions)
  • "All prescriptions free"
  • "No network restrictions" (most Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks)

Unauthorized Enrollment

Some scammers enroll seniors in Medicare Advantage plans without clear consent. They might:

  • Use high-pressure tactics to force immediate enrollment
  • Enroll people during "verification" calls without explaining what's happening
  • Forge signatures on enrollment forms
  • Switch plans without permission during enrollment periods
  • Claim "you have to enroll in something or lose Medicare entirely" (false)

Serious Consequences:

Unauthorized Medicare Advantage enrollment can leave you with unexpected costs, out-of-network doctors, loss of your Medigap policy, or gaps in prescription coverage. Disentangling from wrongful enrollment can take months and create coverage complications.

Legitimate vs. Fraudulent Medicare Advantage Marketing

Legitimate Agents:

  • Clearly identify themselves and the insurance company they represent
  • Provide their license number upon request
  • Allow time for you to review materials and compare plans
  • Explain that Medicare Advantage plans are from private insurers, not Medicare
  • Respect your decision if you're not interested
  • Never access your bank account or request financial information beyond necessary enrollment data

Scammers and Unethical Agents:

  • Claim to be "from Medicare" without clarifying they sell private plans
  • Pressure immediate enrollment: "This offer expires today!"
  • Promise unrealistic benefits
  • Refuse to provide credentials or written materials
  • Call repeatedly despite being told you're not interested
  • Use scare tactics: "Your benefits will be canceled if you don't enroll"

Protecting Yourself During Medicare Advantage Shopping

If you're considering Medicare Advantage plans:

  1. Start your research at Medicare.gov, which has unbiased plan comparisons
  2. Use Medicare's free counseling service (SHIP - State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for objective advice
  3. Never enroll during the first contact with an agent; always take time to research
  4. Verify any agent's license through your state insurance department
  5. Compare multiple plans and read all enrollment materials carefully
  6. Confirm your doctors and pharmacies are in-network before enrolling
  7. Never share bank account information until you've decided to enroll and verified the agent's legitimacy

If you've been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan without your clear consent or through deceptive practices, contact Medicare immediately at 1-800-MEDICARE. You may be able to cancel the enrollment and should report the fraudulent agent to your state insurance department and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Enrollment Period Scams

Medicare scams intensify dramatically during enrollment periods when beneficiaries are making coverage decisions. Scammers exploit the confusion around deadlines, rules, and options to pressure seniors into providing personal information or making hasty decisions.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

Understanding legitimate enrollment periods helps you recognize fake urgency:

  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7 each year for changing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans
  • Initial Enrollment Period: Three months before through three months after your 65th birthday
  • Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by specific life events (moving, losing other coverage, etc.)
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31 for Medicare Advantage changes only

Common Enrollment Period Scam Tactics

Fake Deadline Pressure

Scammers create artificial urgency: "You must enroll by tomorrow or lose coverage!" or "This is your final notice—respond today!" They exploit anxiety about missing deadlines to prevent you from taking time to verify information or research options.

Reality: While Medicare has real enrollment deadlines, legitimate communications provide ample notice, and missing a deadline rarely results in complete loss of coverage. Medicare sends official notices well in advance of any critical deadlines.

Mandatory Re-enrollment Scams

Callers claim that everyone must re-enroll in Medicare during the enrollment period or benefits will be terminated. They request Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, and bank information to "process your re-enrollment."

Reality: If you're happy with Original Medicare or your current Medicare Advantage plan, you don't need to do anything during enrollment periods. Coverage continues automatically. Re-enrollment is never mandatory.

Limited-Time Benefits Offers

Scammers offer special benefits available "only during this enrollment period" or "only to the first 100 callers." These fabricated time-limited offers pressure immediate decisions without proper research.

Legitimate Enrollment Period Communications:

Real Medicare enrollment materials arrive by official mail, are available at Medicare.gov, or come from your current insurance company. Medicare will never call you unsolicited during enrollment periods to request personal information or pressure plan changes. You can always hang up and verify information independently.

Protecting Yourself During Enrollment Periods

Enrollment periods bring increased scam activity. Stay protected with these strategies:

  • Mark official enrollment periods on your calendar so you recognize fake deadlines
  • Understand that if you're satisfied with current coverage, you don't need to take any action
  • Ignore unsolicited calls, texts, or emails about enrollment
  • Get enrollment information from Medicare.gov or your current insurance company directly
  • Use SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free, unbiased counseling
  • Never provide personal information to verify eligibility to unsolicited callers
  • Remember that legitimate enrollment never requires immediate decisions

If you receive suspicious enrollment-related communications, don't engage. Instead, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get accurate information about your enrollment options and deadlines. Taking time to verify information through official channels prevents hasty decisions based on scammer pressure tactics.

How to Spot Fake Medicare Calls

Phone calls remain one of the most common methods scammers use to target Medicare beneficiaries. Developing the skill to quickly identify fake Medicare calls protects you from providing sensitive information to criminals.

Immediate Red Flags

Hang up immediately if a caller:

  • Claims to be from Medicare and asks for personal information: Medicare will never call asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers
  • Offers free medical equipment, genetic testing, or other services: Medicare doesn't make unsolicited calls offering free anything
  • Threatens benefit cancellation or suspension: Scare tactics are always a scam indicator
  • Demands immediate payment: Especially via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
  • Pressures immediate decisions: "This offer expires in the next hour" or "You must decide now"
  • Asks you to confirm or verify your Medicare number: They should already have it if calling legitimately

Caller ID Spoofing

Scammers routinely fake caller ID information to appear legitimate. Your phone might display "Medicare," "Social Security Administration," "Health and Human Services," or even local area codes. Never trust caller ID as proof of legitimacy.

Some sophisticated scammers even spoof the actual Medicare customer service number (1-800-633-4227), making it appear Medicare is genuinely calling. This technology makes visual verification impossible—you must rely on the content and nature of the call.

The Callback Verification Trap:

Some scammers, when questioned, offer a "callback number to verify" their legitimacy. This number connects to an accomplice who confirms the scammer's story. Never use callback numbers provided by suspicious callers. Look up official numbers independently.

Questions Scammers Ask

Pay attention to the specific information requests. Scammers typically need:

  • Your Medicare number or Social Security number
  • Date of birth and full name (for identity verification)
  • Current medications (for prescription scams)
  • Bank account or credit card information
  • Your doctor's name and contact information
  • Permission to bill Medicare on your behalf

The Verification Test

If you receive a call that might be legitimate but you're uncertain, use this verification process:

  1. Don't provide any information. Tell the caller you need to verify their identity.
  2. Ask for specific details: Representative's full name, employee ID number, which department they're calling from, and a direct callback number.
  3. End the call. Don't let them transfer you or keep you on the line.
  4. Look up Medicare's official number independently. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  5. Explain the situation to Medicare. They can tell you if the call was legitimate and address any real issues.

Legitimate Medicare representatives will understand and respect your caution. Scammers will become frustrated, pushy, or hang up when you refuse to provide information or insist on independent verification.

When Medicare Might Actually Contact You

In rare circumstances, Medicare or Medicare contractors might initiate phone contact:

  • Survey calls about satisfaction with Medicare services (they won't ask for sensitive information)
  • Following up on a fraud report you filed
  • Returning a call you made to Medicare
  • Medicare contractors conducting medical reviews (but they'll have already sent written notice)

Even in these legitimate scenarios, Medicare representatives should never ask for your Medicare number (they already have it), request financial information, or pressure immediate decisions. When in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly using the official number.

What Medicare Will Never Do

Understanding what Medicare never does provides a clear framework for identifying scams. If anyone claiming to be from Medicare does any of the following, it's definitely a scam.

Medicare Will NEVER:

  • Call you unsolicited asking for personal information - Medicare initiates contact through official mail, not phone calls requesting Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank information
  • Threaten to cancel your benefits or coverage - Medicare doesn't terminate benefits over the phone or as a pressure tactic
  • Demand immediate payment - Particularly not via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash
  • Charge fees for Medicare cards - Medicare cards are always free, whether initial issuance or replacement
  • Offer unsolicited free medical equipment or genetic testing - Medicare doesn't make outbound calls offering free items or services
  • Send representatives to your home unannounced - Medicare doesn't conduct door-to-door visits for enrollment, verification, or service offers
  • Ask for bank account access - Even for premium payments, Medicare doesn't request online banking credentials or account access
  • Sell Medicare Advantage plans - Private insurance companies sell Medicare Advantage plans; Medicare provides information but doesn't market specific plans
  • Email you asking to verify information or click links - Medicare doesn't send emails requesting personal information or asking you to click links
  • Pressure immediate enrollment or plan changes - Medicare provides ample time for enrollment decisions and never uses high-pressure tactics

How Medicare Actually Communicates

Understanding legitimate Medicare communication methods helps you recognize imposters:

Legitimate Medicare Contact Methods:

  • Official Mail: Important notices, new cards, and policy updates arrive via U.S. mail to your address on file
  • Medicare.gov: Your secure online Medicare account for plan information, claims, and coverage details
  • Medicare Summary Notices: Mailed quarterly showing services billed to Medicare
  • 1-800-MEDICARE: The only Medicare phone number you should call (when you initiate contact)
  • Annual Notice of Change: From your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan about next year's coverage (by September 30)

Teaching This to Your Parents

If you're helping elderly parents navigate Medicare, ensure they understand these core principles:

  • If someone calls claiming to be Medicare, it's safe to hang up
  • Medicare cards and services are always free
  • It's okay to say "no" to any unsolicited offer
  • They can always call you or 1-800-MEDICARE to verify any suspicious communication
  • Taking time to verify information is smart, not rude

Consider posting a reminder near your parent's phone listing what Medicare never does and the official Medicare number. This quick reference helps in the moment when a scammer calls and creates pressure for immediate response.

Protecting Your Medicare Number

Your Medicare number functions similarly to a Social Security number for healthcare purposes. Protecting it prevents fraud, identity theft, and medical record contamination.

Why Medicare Numbers Are Valuable to Scammers

Criminals target Medicare numbers because they enable:

  • Fraudulent billing: Submitting claims for services never provided
  • Medical identity theft: Obtaining prescriptions, medical services, or equipment using your identity
  • Identity theft: Medicare numbers combined with personal information enable broader identity theft
  • Resale value: Medicare numbers sell on dark web marketplaces to other criminals

Best Practices for Medicare Number Security

Daily Precautions

  • Don't carry your Medicare card unnecessarily: Unless you have a doctor appointment, leave it at home in a secure location
  • Make a copy for routine appointments: Some offices accept copies or can look up your number from previous visits
  • Never share your number over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified provider
  • Don't provide your Medicare number for free offers: Legitimate services don't require it for promotional offers
  • Be cautious at health fairs and community events: Legitimate health screenings don't require Medicare numbers

Document Security

  • Store your Medicare card securely: Keep it with other important documents like your Social Security card—not in your wallet
  • Shred documents containing your Medicare number: Including old insurance statements, prescription labels, and medical paperwork
  • Safeguard Medicare Summary Notices: These contain your number and should be shredded after review
  • Protect digital records: Password-protect any electronic files containing Medicare information

When It's Safe to Provide Your Medicare Number

Your Medicare number is necessary in legitimate healthcare situations:

  • At doctor's offices and hospitals for appointments and services
  • At pharmacies when filling prescriptions
  • When enrolling in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans (after verifying the agent's legitimacy)
  • When you call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE
  • On claims forms or insurance paperwork from verified providers

The Golden Rule:

Provide your Medicare number only when receiving medical services from established providers or when you initiate contact with Medicare or verified insurance companies. If you didn't seek the service, don't share the number.

Monitoring for Medicare Number Misuse

Regular monitoring helps detect fraudulent use of your Medicare number:

Review Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs)

Medicare sends MSNs quarterly (or monthly for some Medicare Advantage plans) listing all services billed to Medicare in your name. Carefully review each entry:

  • Verify you received every service listed
  • Check that dates of service are accurate
  • Confirm you visited the providers named
  • Look for duplicate charges
  • Watch for services you didn't authorize (especially genetic testing, durable medical equipment, or home health services)

Create a Medicare.gov Account

Your secure Medicare.gov account allows you to:

  • View claims more frequently than quarterly MSNs
  • Check your Medicare number and personal information on file
  • Review your coverage and benefits
  • Order replacement cards if needed
  • Access preventive service reminders

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you notice fraudulent charges or suspect someone has used your Medicare number:

  1. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report fraud
  2. Contact the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
  3. File a complaint with the Senior Medicare Patrol in your state
  4. Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports
  5. Document all fraudulent charges for your records

Treating your Medicare number with the same security as your Social Security number significantly reduces fraud risk. While you can't completely eliminate the possibility of Medicare fraud, vigilant protection and monitoring create strong defenses against scammers.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Discovering you've fallen victim to a Medicare scam can be distressing, but taking immediate action can limit damage and prevent further fraud. Time is critical—act quickly to protect your Medicare benefits and personal information.

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

If You Shared Your Medicare Number

  1. Call Medicare immediately: Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report that your number may have been compromised. They'll flag your account for monitoring.
  2. Document the scam: Write down everything you remember—dates, what was said, phone numbers that appeared, names used, and information you provided.
  3. Monitor for fraudulent claims: Request more frequent Medicare Summary Notices or check your Medicare.gov account regularly.
  4. Review your medical records: Contact your doctor's office to ensure no incorrect information has entered your medical file.

If You Provided Additional Personal Information

If scammers obtained your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details:

  • Contact your bank and credit card companies: Alert them to potential fraud and consider closing/replacing compromised accounts
  • Place fraud alerts on credit reports: Call one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert; they'll notify the others
  • Consider a credit freeze: This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
  • Monitor credit reports: Check for suspicious activity at AnnualCreditReport.com
  • File an identity theft report: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step recovery assistance

If You Sent Money

  • Gift cards: Contact the company immediately with card numbers and receipts. Some can freeze unredeemed balances.
  • Wire transfers: Contact the wire transfer company (Western Union, MoneyGram) immediately to request recall.
  • Credit/debit cards: Call your card issuer to dispute charges and request new cards.
  • Checks: Contact your bank immediately to attempt to stop payment.

If You Received Medical Equipment or Services

If scammers sent you medical equipment, genetic testing kits, or scheduled services:

  • Don't use or consume anything received from scammers
  • Don't return items to the sender (this might confirm your address as active)
  • Keep items as potential evidence
  • Report the equipment/service delivery to Medicare and the Inspector General
  • Watch your Medicare Summary Notices for related fraudulent charges

Beware of Recovery Scams:

After being scammed, you may receive follow-up calls from people claiming they can recover your money for a fee. This is always a scam. Legitimate law enforcement and Medicare fraud investigators never charge fees to help victims or recover funds.

Protecting Against Future Scams

After experiencing a Medicare scam, take preventive measures:

  • Expect increased scam attempts: Scammers sell victim lists, so you'll likely be targeted more frequently
  • Implement call blocking: Use services like Nomorobo or carrier-level scam blocking
  • Register with Do Not Call: Visit DoNotCall.gov (though this won't stop illegal scammers)
  • Consider changing your phone number if scam calls become overwhelming
  • Increase vigilance: Be extra cautious about all unsolicited communications
  • Inform family members: They can provide support and help monitor for suspicious activity

Emotional Recovery

Medicare scam victims often experience shame, embarrassment, or anger. Remember:

  • These are sophisticated criminals who fool intelligent people of all ages
  • Reporting the scam helps protect others from the same criminals
  • Taking action to protect yourself demonstrates strength, not weakness
  • Many scam victims never report the crime; by reporting, you're helping authorities
  • Your experience makes you better equipped to recognize future scam attempts

If you're helping an elderly parent who's been scammed, approach the situation with empathy rather than criticism. Focus on solutions and future protection rather than dwelling on the incident. Your supportive response increases the likelihood they'll report future scam attempts before sharing information.

Reporting Medicare Fraud

Reporting Medicare fraud serves multiple critical purposes: it helps authorities identify and prosecute criminals, protects other potential victims, may prevent fraudulent charges from affecting your Medicare benefits, and contributes to reducing overall Medicare fraud that drives up healthcare costs for everyone.

Primary Reporting Channels

Medicare Customer Service

Contact: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
TTY users: 1-877-486-2048
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call Medicare directly to report suspected fraud or scam attempts. Representatives can:

  • Document fraud reports in your file
  • Flag your account for monitoring
  • Explain how to review your Medicare Summary Notices
  • Direct you to additional resources
  • Help identify fraudulent charges on your account

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
Online: oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud
TTY: 1-800-377-4950

The OIG investigates Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse. Report here when:

  • You notice fraudulent claims on your Medicare Summary Notice
  • A provider billed for services you didn't receive
  • You suspect systematic fraud by a provider or company
  • Someone offered kickbacks for Medicare referrals
  • You have detailed information about a fraud scheme

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

National Hotline: 1-877-808-2468
Online: smpresource.org

SMP programs exist in every state to help Medicare beneficiaries identify, prevent, and report fraud. They provide:

  • Free education about Medicare fraud
  • Personalized assistance reviewing Medicare Summary Notices
  • Help reporting suspected fraud
  • Community presentations on fraud prevention
  • One-on-one counseling for fraud victims

Additional Reporting Resources

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Online: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

Report Medicare-related scams to the FTC, especially phone scams, identity theft, and fraudulent marketing. The FTC uses reports to identify patterns and build cases against scammers.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Find your local SHIP: shiptacenter.org
National: 1-877-839-2675

SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling and can help you understand suspicious communications, review claims, and report fraud.

State Attorney General

Search "[your state] attorney general consumer protection" to find your state's reporting portal. Many states have specialized elder fraud divisions that aggressively pursue Medicare scammers.

Local Law Enforcement

File a police report, especially if you suffered financial loss or provided significant personal information. While local police may have limited ability to investigate Medicare fraud, the report creates official documentation.

What Information to Provide

When reporting Medicare fraud, gather and provide:

  • Your Medicare number (when reporting to official Medicare channels)
  • Date and time of scam contact
  • Phone numbers that appeared on caller ID
  • Names and companies the scammers claimed to represent
  • Detailed description of what was said or offered
  • Information you provided to the scammer
  • Money sent (amount, method, dates)
  • Medicare Summary Notice entries that appear fraudulent
  • Names of providers who billed for services not received
  • Any documentation (emails, letters, receipts)

Your Report Makes a Difference:

Even if your individual report doesn't result in immediate action, it contributes to databases that identify patterns. When multiple people report the same scam, phone numbers, or tactics, it helps investigators build cases and warn others. Never assume your report won't matter.

Reporting Timeline

Act quickly when reporting fraud:

  1. Immediately: Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you shared your Medicare number or personal information
  2. Within 24 hours: Report to OIG hotline and file FTC complaint
  3. Within 48 hours: Contact SMP for assistance and file police report if money was lost
  4. Within one week: Report to state Attorney General and follow up with all agencies to confirm reports were received

After Reporting

Keep records of all fraud reports:

  • Save confirmation numbers from online reports
  • Document names of representatives you spoke with
  • Keep copies of all correspondence
  • Create a fraud incident file with all documentation
  • Monitor for follow-up from investigators

Be patient with the investigation process. Medicare fraud cases often involve complex investigations that can take months or years to prosecute. You may never hear the outcome of your specific report, but your information contributes to broader enforcement efforts that protect all Medicare beneficiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify a fake Medicare phone call?

Fake Medicare calls typically pressure you for immediate action, request your Medicare number or Social Security number, threaten to cancel benefits, offer free medical equipment or genetic testing, or demand payment via gift cards or wire transfer. Real Medicare representatives will never call unsolicited asking for personal information, threaten benefit cancellation, or pressure immediate decisions.

What are Medicare genetic testing scams?

Genetic testing scams involve fraudsters offering free DNA testing kits, often through health fairs or home visits. They collect Medicare numbers and either submit fraudulent claims to Medicare (sometimes totaling thousands of dollars) or sell the genetic samples and personal information. Legitimate genetic testing requires a doctor's order and Medicare only covers it when medically necessary.

Will Medicare ever call me about new cards or benefits?

Medicare will never call you unsolicited. They communicate through official mail sent to your address on file. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare offering a new card, updated benefits, or requesting information verification, it's a scam. Hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify.

What should I do if I gave my Medicare number to a scammer?

Immediately call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the incident. Monitor your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for fraudulent claims. Report the scam to the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) and file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports as Medicare fraud can lead to identity theft.

Are Medicare Advantage enrollment calls always scams?

Not all Medicare Advantage calls are scams, but many are misleading or fraudulent, especially during enrollment periods. Legitimate agents should never pressure immediate enrollment, claim to be from "Medicare" itself (they represent private insurers), access your bank account, or promise benefits Medicare doesn't offer. Always independently research plans at Medicare.gov before enrolling.

How do I protect my Medicare number?

Treat your Medicare number like a Social Security number. Never share it over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number. Don't carry your Medicare card daily unless visiting a doctor. Never provide it for free offers or prizes. Shred documents containing your Medicare number. Be especially cautious during enrollment periods when scam activity increases.

What types of free medical equipment scams target Medicare recipients?

Scammers offer free back braces, knee braces, diabetic supplies, wheelchairs, or other durable medical equipment. They obtain your Medicare number, bill Medicare for equipment never delivered or medically unnecessary, and sometimes send inferior products. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment when prescribed by your doctor and ordered through approved suppliers.

Can scammers access my medical records with my Medicare number?

While scammers primarily use Medicare numbers to bill fraudulent claims, the number can potentially be used to access some medical information or create false medical histories. This medical identity theft can result in incorrect information in your medical records, affecting future care. This is why protecting your Medicare number and monitoring Medicare Summary Notices for fraudulent claims is crucial.

Protecting Your Medicare Benefits

Medicare scams represent a serious and growing threat to seniors' financial security, medical care, and personal information. While scammers continually develop new tactics, understanding the fundamental patterns of Medicare fraud empowers you to recognize and avoid these schemes.

Remember the core principles: Medicare never calls asking for personal information, nothing Medicare-related requires payment via gift cards or wire transfer, and you should never share your Medicare number for unsolicited offers or services. When in doubt, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly.

Vigilance, education, and proactive protection measures create strong defenses against Medicare fraud. Review your Medicare Summary Notices regularly, protect your Medicare number as carefully as your Social Security number, and report suspicious activity immediately.

If you're helping elderly parents navigate Medicare, ensure they understand what Medicare never does, provide them with official contact numbers, and create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing suspicious communications without fear of judgment. Your support and education are their best protection against Medicare scammers.

Related Safety Resources

Protect your elderly parents from multiple fraud threats with these comprehensive guides: