Medicare Scams

Medicare is a vital program that provides health coverage to millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, it is also a prime target for scammers. Fraudsters often pose as Medicare representatives or healthcare providers to steal personal and financial information. Their tactics are becoming more sophisticated, making it increasingly important to recognize the warning signs. Below are the most common red flags that could indicate a Medicare scam.

One of the most common tricks scammers use is offering "free" medical equipment or services—such as braces, genetic tests, or screenings—in exchange for your Medicare number. They may say you are “pre-approved” or claim it won’t cost you anything. In reality, these offers are often a front to bill Medicare for services you never receive or don’t need. Giving away your Medicare number is like handing over a blank check—it gives fraudsters the opportunity to commit identity theft or fraudulent billing.

Another deceptive tactic involves pressuring beneficiaries to switch Medicare plans. Scammers may claim that your current plan is ending or that you’ve been “pre-approved” for a better one. Often, they pose as official Medicare agents and urge you to act quickly. The goal is to get you to unknowingly authorize a change in your coverage, which may not benefit you at all—and may even result in loss of services or increased costs. Always be cautious when someone is overly eager to make changes to your plan without giving you time to understand the details.

Be wary of phone calls, texts, or emails claiming that you must renew or upgrade your Medicare card. Scammers may ask you to verify personal information, such as your Medicare or Social Security number, under the guise of issuing a new card. In reality, Medicare cards do not require annual renewals or upgrades, and Medicare will never ask for personal details over the phone or email. If you receive such a request, it is almost certainly a scam.

Fraudsters may use scare tactics to trick you into giving up sensitive information. One common approach is claiming that there is a problem with your Medicare account and that your coverage will be canceled unless you provide personal details immediately. These threats are designed to create panic and force you into acting without thinking. Medicare will never call and threaten to cancel your benefits out of the blue. If there were a genuine issue, you would receive official correspondence by mail.

Some scammers pretend to be Medicare or insurance representatives offering you a refund or rebate. They may say you overpaid for services or are owed money from a billing error. To "process" the refund, they ask for your Medicare number or bank account details. In truth, these claims are fabricated to steal your identity or access your bank account. If Medicare owes you money, they will typically mail you a check or send a notice—never ask you for financial details over the phone or via email.

Being informed is your best defense. Always remember the following tips:

• Never give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information to unknown callers.
   
• Hang up on unsolicited calls offering free medical equipment or services.
   
• Verify any Medicare-related information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
   
• Report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
   

Scammers rely on fear and confusion to manipulate their victims. By recognizing the signs and staying cautious, you can protect yourself and your Medicare benefits from fraud.