Medicare scam calls: how to spot the fake Medicare caller
Quick answer
A caller who says they're from Medicare and asks for your Social Security, bank or card number is a scammer. The FTC says Medicare won't ask for personal information to give you a new card, and cards are free. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text
- Pretends to be
- Medicare
- Last updated
Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This page is free and based on official sources.
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Medicare, often saying you need a "new" Medicare card or number. The FTC's alert explains the pitch: they ask for your Social Security number, bank account details or other personal information to "issue" it, or say there's a fee. The FTC says Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get a new Medicare number and card, and that if anyone calls and says you need to pay for a card, it's a scam. Real cards are free. Some callers also claim your card was compromised and tell you to move your money into "safer accounts". Don't. These calls come by phone, and caller ID is no proof, because numbers can be spoofed. Medicare.gov says Medicare will never call you to sell you anything. Hang up, then call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself to check or to report it.
Sources checked: consumer.ftc.gov, medicare.gov
Last verified against the official page:
Red flags
- A caller claiming to be Medicare who asks for your Social Security, bank or card number
- Being told you must pay for a new Medicare card
- A threat that your coverage will end unless you act now
- Caller ID showing Medicare: it can be spoofed
- An unexpected call during open enrollment offering a plan or card
Example message
This is Medicare. We're issuing new cards and need to confirm your Medicare number, Social Security number and bank details so your coverage isn't interrupted. Call [phone number] now.
Seen in the wild
- The FTC said scammers were using the Medicare card replacement as cover. Callers claimed a fee for the new card, offered plastic cards for a fee, or said your card was compromised and told you to move your money to "safer accounts". call · consumer.ftc.gov
What to do
- 1
Hang up
Don't give out any numbers. Medicare won't ask for personal information to give you a new card.
- 2
Call Medicare yourself
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), the number Medicare.gov lists. Don't call back the number that rang you.
- 3
If you gave bank details, call your bank
The FTC advises talking to your bank immediately to deal with any unauthorized activity. Use the number on your card or statement.
- 4
If you gave your Social Security number, protect your identity
Consider a credit freeze and watch for new accounts. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
- 5
Report it
Medicare.gov says to call 1-800-MEDICARE if you suspect fraud, or report it online. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers rarely pick targets at random. Your name, number, address and email are sold by data brokers, listed on people-search sites and leaked in breaches, and that is what lets a message use your real details. Serus finds where your details are listed and requests removal, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. Older adults are common targets, and people-search listings often show age and relatives.
Frequently asked
Do I have to pay for a Medicare card?
No. The FTC says your new Medicare card is free, and anyone who says you must pay for it is a scammer.
Will Medicare call me to confirm my number?
The FTC says Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get a new Medicare number and card. Medicare.gov adds that Medicare won't call to sell you anything.
The caller ID said Medicare. Is it real?
Not necessarily, because caller ID can be spoofed. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself.
Are there plastic Medicare cards?
No. The FTC says real Medicare cards are paper, and anyone offering a plastic version for a fee is a scammer.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
What changed
- The page now includes the FTC's August 2022 alert about Medicare card scams.
- Added the 1-800-MEDICARE number from Medicare.gov and removed a claim about open enrollment that the FTC alert doesn't make.
