Medicare scam calls are a type of identity theft. The goal of most calls is to obtain a person’s Medicare number and other sensitive information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers.
Medicare scam calls are a type of fraud designed to trick people into giving the scammer sensitive information. In the case of Medicare fraud, they are typically after a person’s Medicare number, though they may also ask for other identifying and bank information.
The scammers then use the information to commit Medicare fraud or sell it to others. They will usually try to pressure an individual into giving them information by offering false benefits on a Medicare plan or threatening to change a plan.
A person should only provide their Medicare details in certain safe situations when they would expect to do so, such as when talking with a doctor or healthcare facility performing a service. A person should never provide details to an unsolicited caller. If a person is unsure, they can consider reporting the call as a scam.
A Medicare scam call is a form of identity theft where a person tries to gain access to another person’s Medicare number. During the call, they may also attempt to obtain other information, such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other forms of identification.
It may also be a type of government imposter scam. These scams involve a person pretending to be from a government agency, like Medicare or Social Security. During a phone call, they may threaten to cut off benefits or ask for a person’s Medicare number in order to get a replacement card.
According to AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, in 2024, the most common Medicare fraud call involves offering free healthcare equipment in exchange for a person’s Medicare number. If a person does receive equipment, it is typically of poor quality.
Other examples of Medicare scam calls may include:
- a caller asking for a Medicare and Social Security number in order to send new Medicare cards
- a caller threatening that Medicare benefits will end and asking for a Medicare number in order to prevent cancellation
- a caller letting a person know they have a pending refund or rebate that they can take advantage of if they provide the caller with their Medicare number
They may also ask for other personal information, such as:
- full name
- Social Security number
- home address
Scam calls can take different forms, and what the caller says or asks for may change over time. There is no single script that a call will necessarily follow.
However, many of the Medicare scam calls will include one or more of the following elements:
- pressure to switch plans
- promise of free services, medical products, or medications
- threats of Medicare cancellation or other claims
- promising an upgrade, refund, or rebate
They will also ask a person to provide their Medicare card number and possibly other private information, like bank account information, Social Security number, or personal health data.
Medicare notes that a representative from Medicare would never call to sell anything. They also would never perform a home visit. A person should use caution and hang up if an unsolicited caller identifies as calling from Medicare.
Medicare representatives only call and ask for personal information in a very limited number of circumstances. These include the following:
- A representative from a Medicare health or drug plan may call only if a person is already a member of the plan. The representative who helped a person sign up may also call.
- If a person opens a fraud investigation claim, a representative may call to discuss details of the fraud claim.
- A customer service representative from 800-MEDICARE could call if another representative said someone would call or if a person left a message requesting a callback.
A person should only provide their Medicare number or Social Security number to people they know need it, which includes a doctor or healthcare facility performing a service, a Medicare representative, or an insurance company acting on the person’s behalf.
Though it is generally safe to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan over the phone, a person should never do so unless they call the company. If a company calls, it is likely a fraud.
Other things a person should avoid doing include:
- allowing someone other than a healthcare professional to review medical records
- accepting gifts or money for free medical care
- giving out a Medicare number to unsolicited texts, phone calls, or emails
- avoiding purchasing medical equipment or supplies over the phone from unknown companies or people
If an individual calls with a threat or issue about Medicare, a person should contact Medicare or the organization directly using their advertised numbers, not caller ID. Other general safety tips to help prevent Medicare identity theft include the following:
- Do not click on links from unsolicited emails or on suspicious websites.
- Do not give a person who comes unsolicited to a home any information related to health records, Medicare number, Social Security number, or any other personal data.
- Do not provide a Medicare number at a seminar or other group situation.
- Treat the Medicare number like cash and only share it with trusted healthcare professionals or representatives.
- Carefully review services, devices, supplies, and other information on service statements from Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.
A person can report suspected Medicare fraud by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). They can also submit a complaint online through the Office of the Inspector General.
To report fraud for Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare drug plans, a person may call Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (I-MEDIC) at 877-7SAFERX (877-772-3379).
A person should try to have the following information ready when calling to report fraud:
- their name and Medicare number
- the name of the provider they are reporting, along with any identifying information available
- the service or item in question and when it supposedly arrived
- the amount that Medicare approved and paid
- the date on the Medicare Summary Notice, health or drug plan’s Explanation of Benefits, or claim
Medicare scam calls attempt to trick people into providing their Medicare card number, their Social Security number, or other personal information. The scammers may use that information to commit fraud, sell it, or commit other crimes.
A person should never give out their Medicare card number to anyone they do not know or trust. If a person receives a call, email, text, or in-person visit to their home, they should not provide any information to the individual attempting to collect it.
A person can contact Medicare directly if they believe or suspect they may be a victim of fraud by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).