Medicare impersonation scam

A caller claims to be from Medicare. They offer to send a new card, a "free" back/knee brace, a genetic test kit, or to enroll you in a "new benefit." To process, they need your Medicare number and personal info.

The Medicare number is the goal. Once they have it, the scammer bills Medicare for products and services you didn't receive — using fake supplier identities, often with kickback arrangements. Medicare pays the fraudulent claims; your Medicare number is now associated with services it didn't receive. You may face copays, fraud investigations, or denied coverage when you actually need it.

This is the largest Medicare fraud vector by claim volume.

• Unsolicited phone call about Medicare benefits.
• Offer of "free" medical equipment (braces, knee scopes, glucose monitors).
• Request for Medicare number to "verify" or "enroll."
• Promise of new benefits that aren't on Medicare.gov.
• Pressure to act quickly before "the window closes."
• Caller claims a new Medicare card is coming and needs to verify your old number.
• Pre-recorded robocall with "press 1 to speak with an agent."

1. Medicare does not call beneficiaries to verify their number. They mail communications.
2. Never give your Medicare number to anyone who calls you.
3. For real questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
4. Check claims at mymedicare.gov to see what's been billed in your name.
5. Real free medical equipment requires a doctor's prescription. Anyone bypassing your doctor is committing fraud.
6. Your "Medicare card" never expires and a new one only arrives via mail.

• Check your Medicare claims at mymedicare.gov for unauthorized services.
• Report fraud at 1-800-MEDICARE and at oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud.
• Request a new Medicare number if you suspect significant fraud.
• File complaints with the FTC and your state Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
• Monitor monthly statements for the next year.
• If a fraudulent claim appears, dispute it with Medicare in writing.

• Do not share your Medicare number with phone callers.
• Do not accept "free" medical equipment shipped without a doctor's prescription.
• Do not sign delivery receipts for equipment you didn't order.
• Do not assume "they have my name" proves they're from Medicare. Name and address are public.

• FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov — the broadest US fraud intake; reports flow to thousands of law-enforcement agencies.
• FBI IC3: ic3.gov — the right destination when the scam is internet-enabled (phishing, BEC, romance, crypto).
• CFPB: consumerfinance.gov/complaint — for complaints about banks, money transmitters, payment apps, credit cards, debt collection.
• IdentityTheft.gov — if any identity information (SSN, driver's license, account credentials) was shared.
• Your bank or payment platform. Call the number on the back of your card or use the app's in-product help. Time matters — wires can sometimes be recalled within hours; ACH and Zelle are harder but worth trying.