Stop Medicare Scam Calls: Protect Your Government Benefits
This scam involves criminals impersonating Medicare or other government agencies to steal your personal information, money, or benefits. They often claim you're eligible for new benefits or need to verify details for a fake Medicare card, leading to identity theft or financial loss. It's crucial to understand their tactics to protect yourself and your family.
How This Scam Works
You receive an unsolicited call, email, text message, or even a letter, claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, or another government agency.
The scammer creates urgency by threatening to cancel your benefits, or lures you with promises of new or increased benefits, a new "mandatory" card, or grants that require immediate action.
They ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account details, credit card information, or even demand payment for "processing fees" for the new benefits or card.
If you comply, your personal information can be used for identity theft, your accounts drained, or unauthorized charges made to your cards, resulting in significant financial loss.
Real Example
"A senior receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a "Medicare representative" stating a new, mandatory "digital" Medicare card is being issued. The caller insists the senior must immediately verify their current Medicare ID and Social Security number over the phone, warning that failure to do so will result in the suspension of all medical benefits. Concerned about losing coverage, the senior provides the requested information."
⚠️ Warning Signs
Any unsolicited call, email, or text claiming to be from Medicare or a government agency asking for your personal information.
Demands for immediate payment or personal information (like your Medicare ID, Social Security number, or bank details) over the phone, email, or text.
Threats that your benefits will be canceled or suspended if you don't provide information or pay immediately.
Offers of "new" or "special" benefits, grants, or a "free" Medicare card in exchange for your personal details or a fee.
Requests to pay for a new Medicare card, as official Medicare cards are always mailed for free.
Instructions to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods.
What To Do If You Encounter This Scam
Immediately hang up on unsolicited calls, delete suspicious emails, and ignore texts claiming to be from government agencies asking for personal details.
Never give your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
If you're concerned, contact Medicare or the relevant government agency directly using the official phone numbers listed on their official website (e.g., Medicare.gov) or on your official documents, not numbers provided by the caller/sender.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Already fell for it?
Immediately contact Medicare or the government agency the scammer claimed to represent to report the fraud and see if any unauthorized changes or charges have occurred. Report the incident to your bank or credit card company, place a fraud alert on your credit with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), and file a report with the FTC.
Scamtinel tip
Scamtinel helps by checking suspicious links in emails or text messages claiming to be from Medicare or other government benefits programs, letting you know if they lead to a dangerous phishing site before you click.
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Last updated: May 3, 2026 · ← All scam types