Medicare Scam: Is It a Scam?
Medicare scams specifically target seniors, stealing billions annually. Scammers call offering new Medicare cards, free medical equipment, or threatening to cancel benefits unless you provide your Medicare number.
How This Scam Works
Medicare scams take several forms:
**New Card Scam:**
1. Caller claims you're getting a new Medicare card
2. They need to "verify" your current Medicare number
3. They use your number to bill Medicare fraudulently
**Free Equipment Scam:**
1. Caller offers free back brace, knee brace, or other equipment
2. They just need your Medicare number to ship it
3. Medicare is billed for equipment you don't need or receive
**Benefits Scam:**
1. Caller claims your benefits are changing or at risk
2. They need your information to "protect" your coverage
3. Information is used for identity theft
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unsolicited calls about Medicare
- Requests for Medicare number - Medicare won't call asking for this
- Offers of free equipment without a doctor's prescription
- Threats to cancel benefits
- Claims of new cards being issued without your request
- Requests for bank information
- High-pressure sales tactics
Example Scam Messages
What to Do If You Received This
- Hang up on unsolicited Medicare calls
- Never give your Medicare number to callers
- Don't accept free equipment from phone solicitors
- Review your Medicare Summary Notices for unauthorized charges
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) with questions
What to Do If You Fell For It
- Request a new Medicare number at 1-800-MEDICARE
- Review your Medicare statements for fraud
- Report to Medicare at 1-800-HHS-TIPS
- Report to your state Senior Medicare Patrol
- Monitor your credit reports
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file
How to Report This Scam
- Medicare - 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- HHS OIG - 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
- FTC - reportfraud.ftc.gov
- State Senior Medicare Patrol - smpresource.org
Last updated: January 13, 2026