Government
Medicare or Health Insurance Scam
Someone claims to be from Medicare and needs your number to send a new card or benefit.
How it works
A caller says they are from Medicare, your insurer, or a benefits office. They offer a new card, free braces, testing kits, or extra benefits, but first they need your Medicare or insurance number to confirm your account. They use your number to bill for services you never received. Medicare does not call you out of the blue asking for your number.
Warning signs
- Unexpected call about a new card or free supplies
- Asks for your Medicare or insurance number
- Offers free braces, tests, or equipment
- Pressures you to act before an enrollment deadline
- Says your card or coverage is about to expire
- Caller already knows some details to seem real
The newer AI trick
AI can help scammers sound like trained call-center staff and personalize the script using data leaked in breaches.
What to do
- Do not give your Medicare or insurance number.
- Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
- Check with 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Review your Medicare statements for charges you don't recognize.
If they are still on the line: Do not confirm your Medicare number or any personal details. Hang up and verify through official numbers.
How to report it
Report to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357, and to the Senior Medicare Patrol at smpresource.org. For elder-specific help, call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.