Medicare scam calls

Updated 2026-05-03

Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries with offers for 'free' back braces, knee braces, genetic tests, or 'new Medicare cards'. The real goal is your Medicare number, which is then used to bill fraudulent claims worth thousands of dollars.

How the fraud is monetized

A stolen Medicare number lets criminals submit phony claims for equipment never delivered or tests never done. Medicare pays out, and the beneficiary often only finds out months later when they're denied legitimate coverage because their 'benefits' were already used.

What Medicare actually does

Medicare will never call uninvited to ask for your Medicare number, banking details, or to offer free equipment. Open enrollment is handled through medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (you call them).

Red flags

  • 'Free' braces, DNA tests, or COVID supplies in exchange for your Medicare number
  • Caller claims to need your number to send a 'new card'
  • Offer of a refund or rebate on Medicare premiums
  • Pressure to act before 'enrollment closes'

What to do

  1. Hang up. Never give your Medicare number to an unsolicited caller.
  2. Verify any offer by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
  3. Report fraud at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or oig.hhs.gov.
  4. Check your Medicare Summary Notice for claims you don't recognize.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medicare sending out new cards?

Medicare cards are mailed automatically when needed. You'll never be asked to verify or pay for one over the phone.