Medicare is one of the most important safety nets for older Americans, but criminals are working harder than ever to exploit it.

Fraudsters stole billions of dollars in improper payments in 2024 alone, and new schemes are targeting seniors directly.

Whether it’s fake calls, phony bills, or bogus offers for “free” medical equipment, scammers are making their tactics more convincing each year.

What’s at stake isn’t just money—it’s also your personal information and your peace of mind.


Medicare’s vast budget and millions of participants make it a juicy target for fraudsters. Some set up phony clinics or medical supply companies to bill Medicare for services or equipment you never received.

Others go straight for the jugular, contacting beneficiaries like you to steal personal information, Medicare numbers, or even trick you into paying fake fees.

The consequences? They range from losing a few bucks to having your benefits denied when you need them most.

Worse, if your Medicare number is stolen, scammers can rack up fraudulent charges in your name, potentially limiting your access to care down the road.


They use spoofed phone numbers, professional-sounding emails, and even fake websites to appear legitimate. But no matter how convincing they seem, there are still classic red flags you can spot if you know what to look for.

Here’s what scammers typically do:

• Create fear or urgency: “Act now or lose your benefits!”
• Pressure you to act quickly: “This offer expires today!”
• Threaten you with consequences: “Failure to respond will result in loss of coverage.”

If you get a call, email, or even a letter that feels pushy or alarming, take a step back. Scammers want you to panic and make a snap decision.


Let’s break down the most common tricks:

1. Fake Calls from "Medicare'”​

Scammers may call, claiming to be Medicare representatives. They’ll ask for payment for activation, renewal, or upgrades. Sometimes, they’ll offer low-cost medical equipment, free genetic tests, or discounted medications.

The truth: Medicare will NEVER call you out of the blue to ask for money or personal information. If you owe anything, you’ll get a letter—never a phone call.

2. Requests for Your Medicare Number​

Fraudsters may say they need your Medicare number to update your account, issue a new card, or upgrade your plan.

The truth: Medicare will not call to ask for your number. If someone does, hang up.

3. Fishing for Your Social Security Number​

Some scammers go further, asking for your SSN, date of birth, or other personal details under the guise of verifying your identity.

The truth: Never give out your SSN or other sensitive info to unsolicited callers.

4. Fake Bills and Emails​

You might receive a bill or email that looks official, asking for payment or personal information.

The truth: Always double-check the sender. When in doubt, call Medicare directly at 1‑800‑MEDICARE.


Now that you know the tricks, let’s talk about how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Hang Up on Suspicious Calls​

If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for money or personal information, just hang up. You don’t owe them an explanation. If they threaten you, remember: real Medicare representatives don’t use scare tactics.

2. Guard Your Medicare and Social Security Numbers​

Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers like gold. Don’t share them over the phone, email, or online unless you initiated the contact and are sure you’re dealing with a legitimate provider.

3. Monitor Your Medicare Statements​

Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) regularly. Look for charges for services, equipment, or prescriptions you didn’t receive. If you spot something fishy, report it right away.

4. Reduce Your Online Exposure​

Scammers often find targets by searching people-search sites and data broker platforms. You can opt out of these sites manually or use a data removal service to scrub your personal info from the web. While no service is perfect, reducing your digital footprint makes you a harder target.

5. Consider Identity Theft Protection​

Identity theft protection services can alert you if your Medicare or Social Security numbers show up on the dark web or are used to open new accounts. They can also help you recover if your identity is stolen.

6. Report Scams Immediately​

If you suspect a scam, don’t keep it to yourself. Report it to:

• Medicare: 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227)
• US Department of Health and Human Services: oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov

By reporting, you help protect others in our community.


Also read: Seniors, beware—your online safety could be at risk if you ignore this critical advice

Let’s set the record straight:

• Medicare will NEVER call you to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or payment.
• Medicare will NEVER threaten to cancel your benefits if you don’t act immediately.
• Medicare will contact you by mail if there’s an issue with your account or payment.

If you’re ever unsure, call Medicare directly at 1‑800‑MEDICARE.


Also read: Scammers exploit public confusion around tariffs, immigration, and drug policy

Extra Tips for Staying Safe​

• Shred old documents: Don’t toss Medicare statements or personal info in the trash—shred them first.
• Use strong passwords: If you access Medicare online, use a unique, strong password and enable two-factor authentication if available.
• Educate your friends and family: The more people know about these scams, the harder it is for fraudsters to succeed.

Read next: A new Social Security email scam is hitting seniors—here’s what the SSA says to protect yourself and your loved ones
Have you or someone you know been targeted by a Medicare scam? How did you handle it? What advice would you give to others?