If an unexpected caller claiming to be from Medicare asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information or money—or threatens that you’ll lose your Medicare benefits—hang up. Do not provide the information. Instead, contact Medicare or another trusted source yourself.

That’s the simplest rule to remember.

Medicare-related calls can become especially confusing as Medicare Open Enrollment approaches and beneficiaries begin receiving more advertisements, mail, emails and phone calls about their coverage.

Some communications are legitimate. Some may violate Medicare marketing rules. Others are outright scams designed to obtain your identity, Medicare number or money.

The challenge is telling the difference.

According to Medicare’s official guidance on protecting your Medicare card, you should protect your Medicare number like a credit card and shouldn’t share it with someone who contacts you unexpectedly unless you contacted them first and gave permission to contact you.

Official resource: Medicare.gov — Protect Your Medicare Card and Medicare Number
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/using-medicare/your-medicare-card

Here are 10 Medicare scam-call warning signs every beneficiary—and every adult child helping a parent with Medicare—should know.

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Medicare Scam Calls: 10 Red Flags

Warning Sign	What You Should Do
1. Unexpected request for your Medicare number	Don’t provide it
2. Request for your Social Security number	Stop and verify
3. Request for banking information from an unexpected caller	Don’t provide it
4. Demand for immediate payment	End the call
5. Threat that you’ll lose Medicare	Hang up
6. Claim that you must pay for a new Medicare card	Don’t pay
7. Promise of benefits you must claim “today”	Slow down and verify
8. Caller ID appears to say “Medicare”	Don’t trust caller ID alone
9. Pressure to enroll immediately	Don’t make a rushed decision
10. Unsolicited request to “verify” your coverage	End the call and initiate contact yourself

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1. They Unexpectedly Ask for Your Medicare Number

Your Medicare number is sensitive information.

Medicare specifically says to protect your Medicare number like a credit card.

That means you shouldn’t provide it simply because someone calls and says:

“I’m calling from Medicare.”

Or:

“I need to verify your Medicare number.”

Or:

“We’re updating your Medicare benefits.”

Your Medicare number can potentially be used fraudulently, including to submit claims for healthcare products or services you never received.

The Federal Trade Commission has also warned that stolen Medicare numbers may be used for fraudulent claims.

Official resource: FTC — Medicare Fraud: What to Know and Do
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/medicare-fraud-affects-everyone-so-heres-what-know-and-do

Remember:

They called you. You don’t owe them your Medicare number.

If you’re legitimately working with a health plan, healthcare provider or licensed agent you’ve chosen, there can be situations where Medicare information is necessary.

The red flag is an unexpected caller asking you to provide sensitive information before you’ve established who they are and why they need it.

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2. They Ask for Your Social Security Number

An unexpected Medicare-related caller asking for your Social Security number deserves immediate scrutiny.

Someone doesn’t need your Social Security number simply to:

• Explain Medicare Advantage
• Explain Medicare Supplement
• Discuss general Medicare information
• Tell you when Open Enrollment begins
• Provide general plan information

If you’re unsure who you’re speaking with, don’t provide it.

End the call and independently contact the organization the person claims to represent.

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3. They Ask for Banking or Credit-Card Information

This requires an important distinction.

Medicare’s current Medicare plan marketing rules say plan representatives aren’t allowed to ask for personal financial information over the phone unless it’s needed to process an enrollment request. Plans don’t need that information simply to give you a quote.

Official resource: Medicare.gov — Medicare Plan Marketing Rules
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/plan-marketing-rules

So if an unexpected caller says:

“Give me your banking information so I can tell you what plans you qualify for.”

Stop.

Or:

“I need your credit-card number before I can show you your benefits.”

Stop.

You should know who you’re dealing with and what you’re authorizing before providing sensitive financial information.

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4. They Demand Immediate Payment

Scammers frequently create urgency because urgency reduces the time you have to think.

The conversation may suddenly become:

“You need to pay today.”

“We have to process this before we hang up.”

“You’ll lose this opportunity if you don’t pay right now.”

That’s a major warning sign.

Be especially cautious if someone claiming to represent Medicare or another government organization demands payment through:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Wire transfer
• Payment apps

The FTC specifically identifies unusual payment methods like these as common scam tactics.

Official resource: FTC — Phone Scam Warning Signs
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams

Don’t allow an unexpected caller to manufacture an emergency for you.

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5. They Threaten That You’ll Lose Medicare

This is one of the easiest warning signs to recognize once you know about it.

A caller might say:

“If you don’t verify your information today, your Medicare benefits will be cancelled.”

Or:

“You need to switch plans today or you’ll lose your Medicare.”

The goal is fear.

Medicare’s own guidance tells beneficiaries that if someone calls asking for information or money or threatens to cancel their health benefits, they should hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you’re worried about whether your current coverage is changing, don’t let an unsolicited caller answer that question for you.

Review your plan documents, including your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), and independently verify your coverage before making a decision.

Internal link: What Is a Medicare Annual Notice of Change—and Why Should You Keep It?
https://medicareplanassistance.com/medicare-anoc-2027-annual-notice-of-change/

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6. They Say You Have to Pay for a “New Medicare Card”

This is a classic Medicare impersonation tactic.

You might hear:

“Medicare is issuing new cards.”

Then:

“We need your Medicare number.”

Or:

“There’s a processing fee.”

Or:

“Give us your banking information so we can send the new card.”

Medicare cards are provided without a fee.

The FTC specifically warns about scammers asking for Medicare, banking or credit-card information for a supposed “new” Medicare card.

Official resource: FTC — Avoid Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/11/avoid-scams-during-medicares-open-enrollment-period

If you legitimately need another Medicare card, you can access your official card through your secure Medicare account.

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7. They Promise a Benefit You Must Claim “Today”

This one can be harder to recognize because Medicare Advantage plans really can include supplemental benefits.

A caller might say:

“You’re entitled to thousands of dollars in grocery benefits.”

“Everyone on Medicare gets a spending card.”

“Medicare just approved a new benefit for seniors.”

“You have to claim this benefit today.”

Stop and ask questions.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer benefits involving:

• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• OTC products
• Transportation
• Fitness
• Certain food or grocery benefits for eligible members

But benefits can vary by plan, service area and eligibility.

Before allowing an advertised benefit to influence your decision, identify:

Which exact Medicare Advantage plan provides it?

Is the plan available in your ZIP code?

Do you meet any applicable eligibility requirements?

How much is the actual benefit?

What limitations apply?

Would you have to change plans?

What happens to your doctors and prescriptions if you change?

This is also why we recommend comparing the medical foundation of a Medicare Advantage plan before focusing on supplemental extras.

Internal link: Dental, Vision, OTC and Grocery Benefits: Which Medicare Extras Should Actually Influence Your Choice?
https://medicareplanassistance.com/medicare-advantage-extra-benefits-2027/

A flashy benefit shouldn’t outweigh your doctors, prescriptions, hospitals or medical costs.

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8. Your Caller ID Says “Medicare”

Caller ID isn’t proof of identity.

Scammers can manipulate the name or telephone number displayed on your phone—a practice commonly known as caller ID spoofing.

Your phone could display:

MEDICARE

GOVERNMENT

or even a familiar local number.

That still doesn’t prove who’s calling.

The FTC specifically warns that scammers can make almost any name or number appear on caller ID.

If someone claims to be calling from Medicare and you’re unsure:

Hang up.

Then call Medicare yourself:

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Don’t simply call the suspicious number back.

Initiate a new call using a trusted number.

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9. They Pressure You to Enroll Immediately

A legitimate Medicare comparison should give you an opportunity to understand what you’re choosing.

Be cautious when someone says:

“You have to enroll while we’re on the phone.”

“Don’t call your current insurance company.”

“This is the best Medicare plan.”

“You have to join this plan or you won’t have coverage next year.”

Medicare specifically prohibits plan representatives from using inappropriate pressure tactics such as telling someone they must join a particular plan or they won’t have coverage next year.

Before changing Medicare Advantage coverage, you should have an opportunity to compare:

• Doctors
• Specialists
• Hospitals
• Prescriptions
• Premiums
• Copays
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits
• Prior authorization
• Plan type
• Supplemental benefits

If you’re unsure how to evaluate plans, start with our Medicare plan comparison resources rather than making a decision during an unexpected sales call.

Internal link: Compare Medicare Plans
https://medicareplanassistance.com/compare-medicare-plans/

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10. They Ask You to “Verify” Coverage You Never Asked About

This tactic can sound surprisingly professional.

The caller might already know your:

• Name
• Phone number
• City
• Age range
• Insurance company

Then they say:

“We’re just calling to verify your Medicare benefits.”

That familiarity creates trust.

Then comes:

“Can you confirm your Medicare number?”

Then perhaps:

“What’s your date of birth?”

And eventually:

“We just need to verify your banking information.”

Knowing basic information about you doesn’t establish that the caller is legitimate.

Personal information can come from public records, marketing databases, data brokers, previous forms, data breaches and other sources.

Don’t let someone use information they already know to persuade you to reveal information they don’t.

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Scam Call or Unauthorized Medicare Marketing Call?

There’s another distinction beneficiaries should understand:

Not every unwanted Medicare call is necessarily an identity-theft scam.

Some may involve improper or unauthorized Medicare marketing instead.

Medicare has specific rules governing how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can be marketed.

According to Medicare, people representing Medicare plans generally aren’t allowed to call you unless:

• You’re already a member of the plan, or
• You’ve given them permission to contact you.

If you’re already a member, the agent who helped you enroll may also be able to contact you under applicable rules.

You can review Medicare’s complete rules here:

Official resource: Medicare Plan Marketing Rules
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/plan-marketing-rules

So an unexpected sales call may raise a marketing-compliance concern even when you don’t have enough information to conclude the caller is committing fraud.

Either way:

You don’t have to continue the conversation.

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What Does Legitimate Medicare Help Look Like?

Legitimate Medicare guidance should allow you to:

✓ Know who you’re speaking with

✓ Understand what organization or agency they represent

✓ Ask questions

✓ Know which plans are being discussed

✓ Review costs and coverage

✓ Check your doctors

✓ Review prescriptions

✓ Compare alternatives

✓ Decline to enroll

✓ End the conversation

✓ Make your decision without threats

A legitimate Medicare professional shouldn’t need to frighten you into becoming a client.

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Information Medicare Beneficiaries Should Protect

Information	Why You Should Protect It
Medicare number	Can potentially be misused for fraudulent Medicare claims
Social Security number	Identity-theft risk
Bank information	Financial-fraud risk
Credit/debit card information	Financial-fraud risk
Medicare.gov credentials	Protects access to your Medicare account
Online passwords	Account-takeover risk
Personal identifying information	Can potentially be combined with other stolen information

This doesn’t mean you’ll never legitimately provide identifying information.

For example, information may be required when you knowingly apply for or enroll in coverage through a legitimate insurer or licensed insurance professional.

The principle is:

Know who you’re dealing with, what you’re doing and why the information is required before providing it.

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Does Medicare Ever Call You?

Yes—but the circumstances are limited.

Medicare says Medicare or someone representing Medicare may call and request personal information in certain situations, including when:

• You’re already a member of a Medicare health or drug plan and the plan contacts you
• You called 1-800-MEDICARE and left a message or were told someone would call you back
• You reported suspected fraud and someone contacts you to follow up

That’s different from an unexpected caller saying:

“Hello, this is Medicare. Give me your Medicare number.”

Medicare’s fraud-prevention guidance explains these limited circumstances.

Official resource: Medicare — Protecting Yourself From Fraud
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10111-protecting-yourself-from-fraud.pdf

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What If the Caller Says They’re a Licensed Medicare Agent?

You can still verify them.

Ask:

What’s your full name?

What’s your agency?

What’s your callback number?

Which insurance companies do you represent?

Which specific Medicare plan are you discussing?

Medicare states that independent agents and brokers selling Medicare plans must be state licensed.

If something doesn’t seem right:

Don’t provide sensitive information.

End the call and independently verify the agent or agency.

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The Safest Strategy: Initiate the Contact Yourself

One of the simplest ways to reduce your exposure to Medicare phone scams is:

Choose who you contact.

If you need Medicare help, you can initiate contact with:

Medicare

Use Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

Your current insurance company

Use the number on your official member materials or insurance card.

SHIP

Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides Medicare counseling.

A Medicare professional you independently choose

You can also work with a licensed Medicare agent or broker you’ve independently researched or been referred to.

You control the interaction instead of allowing an unexpected caller to control it.

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What Should You Do If You Get a Suspicious Medicare Call?

Follow these five steps.

1. Hang Up

You don’t need to argue with the caller or prove they’re a scammer.

End the conversation.

2. Don’t Provide Additional Information

Even seemingly minor personal details can be useful to someone attempting fraud.

3. Document the Call

Write down:

• Date
• Time
• Phone number displayed
• Organization claimed
• Caller’s name
• What they requested
• What they promised
• What they threatened

4. Verify Independently

If they claimed to represent Medicare:

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

You can also visit:

https://www.medicare.gov

5. Report Suspected Fraud

Medicare advises beneficiaries to report suspected Medicare impersonation and fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE.

You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC fraud reporting:
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

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What If You Already Gave a Caller Your Medicare Number?

Act rather than ignoring it.

Contact Medicare and explain what happened.

Then monitor your Medicare information and claims for unfamiliar activity.

Look for things like:

• Medical equipment you didn’t receive
• Tests you didn’t have
• Providers you don’t recognize
• Services you never received
• Duplicate or suspicious claims

The FTC’s current Medicare-fraud guidance specifically recommends reviewing your Medicare Summary Notices or Medicare account and reporting suspicious activity.

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What If You Gave Them Your Banking Information?

Contact your bank or financial institution as quickly as possible.

Explain what information you disclosed and that you believe it may have been provided to a scammer.

Your financial institution can advise you about appropriate protective measures based on what was compromised.

If money has already moved, speed can matter.

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Medicare Scam Call Checklist

If an unexpected Medicare-related caller is on the phone, ask yourself:

☐ Did I ask this person to contact me?

☐ Do I know exactly who they represent?

☐ Can I independently verify them?

☐ Are they asking for my Medicare number?

☐ Are they asking for my Social Security number?

☐ Are they requesting financial information?

☐ Are they demanding payment?

☐ Are they threatening my benefits?

☐ Are they promising benefits without identifying the exact plan?

☐ Are they rushing me?

☐ Are they telling me not to speak with anyone else?

☐ Can I hang up and independently verify what they’re saying?

If the call raises several red flags:

End the call.

A legitimate Medicare question can still be investigated after you hang up.

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Adult Children: Share These Medicare Scam Rules With Your Parents

If you help a parent or grandparent with Medicare, don’t simply tell them:

“Be careful of scams.”

Give them a simple process to follow.

Rule #1

Don’t give an unexpected caller your Medicare number.

Rule #2

Don’t give an unexpected caller your Social Security or banking information.

Rule #3

Don’t believe someone who threatens to cancel your Medicare.

Rule #4

Don’t trust caller ID by itself.

Rule #5

Hang up and call someone you trust.

That last rule is particularly powerful.

Establish the trusted person before the suspicious call happens.

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Why Medicare Scam Awareness Matters Before Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.

As the season approaches, beneficiaries may receive considerably more Medicare-related advertising and communications.

That makes it especially important to understand the difference between:

Medicare itself

Your existing insurance company

A licensed insurance agent

A Medicare advertisement

An unauthorized marketer

and

A scammer impersonating Medicare

If you’re preparing for the upcoming enrollment season, our Medicare Open Enrollment resources can help you understand what you should actually be reviewing before making coverage decisions.

Internal link: Medicare Open Enrollment
https://medicareplanassistance.com/medicare-open-enrollment/

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Want Medicare Help Without Responding to an Unsolicited Caller?

You don’t need to trust whoever happens to call you first.

Instead, you can choose who you contact.

Medicare Plan Assistance helps beneficiaries understand Medicare coverage and compare available options based on factors such as:

• Doctors
• Specialists
• Hospitals
• Prescription medications
• Medicare Advantage networks
• Medicare Supplement coverage
• Premiums
• Medical cost-sharing
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits
• Supplemental benefits
• Enrollment periods

If you’re approaching Open Enrollment, you can also review our Medicare plan comparison resources before making a decision.

Internal link: Compare Medicare Plans
https://medicareplanassistance.com/compare-medicare-plans/

Need help from a licensed Medicare advisor?

Call Medicare Plan Assistance at (561) 808-9410.

You initiate the conversation.

We’ll help you understand your options without relying on an unsolicited Medicare caller.

Local help. Clear answers. Better decisions.

And remember:

If someone claims to represent Medicare, requests sensitive information or money, or threatens your benefits:

Hang up and independently call 1-800-MEDICARE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare call people unexpectedly?

Medicare says it will not call you uninvited to ask for personal or private information. There are limited circumstances where Medicare, a Medicare plan or someone representing Medicare may call, including certain callbacks, fraud investigations and communications with existing plan members.

Will Medicare call and ask for my Medicare number?

Be suspicious of an unexpected caller asking for your Medicare number. Medicare advises beneficiaries not to share their Medicare number or other personal information with someone who contacts them unexpectedly unless they’ve given permission in advance.

Can a scammer make caller ID say “Medicare”?

Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed. The FTC warns that scammers can manipulate the name or number displayed on your phone.

Does Medicare charge for a new Medicare card?

No. Medicare cards are provided without a fee. Someone demanding payment for a new Medicare card is a scam warning sign.

Can Medicare Advantage agents cold call me?

Medicare says people representing Medicare plans generally aren’t allowed to call you unless you’re already a member of the plan or you’ve given permission to be contacted. Specific permitted circumstances can apply.

What should I do if someone threatens to cancel my Medicare?

Hang up. Medicare specifically advises beneficiaries to hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE if someone calls asking for information or money or threatens to cancel health benefits.

What should I do if I gave a scammer my Medicare number?

Contact Medicare and explain what happened. Review your Medicare claims and statements for services, providers or equipment you don’t recognize and report suspicious activity.

Where can I report a Medicare scam?

You can report suspected Medicare impersonation or fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Can Medicare Plan Assistance help me review my coverage without responding to a random caller?

Yes. You can initiate contact with Medicare Plan Assistance yourself to discuss Medicare coverage and available options. Call (561) 808-9410.