Is this Medicare call a scam? Red flags and what to do
By the Folkswise team · Updated · 4 min read · How we write these guides
People over 60 lose billions of dollars a year to fraud, and Medicare impersonation is one of the most common hooks. Here's how to help your parent tell the difference.
Red flags
- Someone calls, texts or emails asking for a Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details.
- They say a Medicare card will be cancelled or benefits will stop unless you act today.
- They ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto or a payment app.
- They offer something “free”: genetic tests, braces, medical equipment, a “new” Medicare card.
- They pressure you to call back an unfamiliar number, or the caller ID says “Medicare” but the request feels off.
What real Medicare won't do
- Medicare cards are free. Medicare won't charge for a new card.
- Medicare won't call to ask for your Medicare number or personal information unless you called them first and asked for a call back.
- Medicare won't threaten to cancel benefits over the phone.
If you think it's a scam
- Hang up or don't reply. Don't use any phone number or link in the message.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) using the number on the real Medicare card.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Your local Senior Medicare Patrol can help with Medicare fraud: smpresource.org or 1-877-808-2468.
- Check your parent's next Medicare Summary Notice for services they never received.
- If your parent shared a number or paid, contact their bank right away and report it.