Pretends to be Medicare
Fake Medicare call or card scam
Is a call saying I need a new Medicare card or must give my Medicare number a scam?
Yes, usually. Medicare does not call to sell you things or ask for your number. Call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check.
Almost always fake. Stop, then check by calling a number you already have.
Also searched as: new Medicare card call, Medicare number, Medicare benefits call, Medicare Advantage call
Draft: we're still checking this page. The quotes below are word for word from their sources.
What to do
On the phone right now?
- Stop. Hang up or close the message. Don't tap anything.
- Check. Call a number you already have, like the one on your card or bill.
- Talk to someone you trust before you pay anyone.
If anyone is in danger right now, call 911.
If you already paid
- Call the company you paid through right away: your bank, card company, gift card company, or the wire or Zelle service. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Call the Justice Department's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it happened online, report it at IC3.gov too.
General information, not legal or financial advice. If you've lost money, contact your bank and report it.
How it works
1 They reach you by
- Phone call
- Text message
- Letter or postcard
- Website
- Social media
- In person
2 They pretend to be
- Medicare or health
- Police or government
3 They ask for
- Personal details
- Money
- Tap a link
- Something else
What it can look like
Example pattern, not a real message
Pretends to be Medicare. What gives it away:
- Give your ID numbers
- Use their link
- Pay right now
What they may say
“you need to activate, renew, or upgrade your Medicare card”
“your benefits will be canceled if you don’t immediately verify your personal information or join a new plan”
Warning signs
- They contacted you, then ask for your Social Security, Medicare or bank numbers.
- They want you to use their link or their phone number. Look up the real website or number yourself.
- They say you must pay right now or something bad will happen. Real organizations give you time to check.
Why we say this
What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams
During Medicare and Marketplace Open Enrollment, scammers pay for search ads that look like Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov. If you use their link or number, you may buy a fake plan or have your medical identity stolen.
Health insurance scams happen year-round, but they pick up during Open Enrollment for Medicare and the Marketplace.
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Bad actors often use web addresses that look similar to government website addresses.
They also use keywords and official-looking logos to make you think you’re at the real Healthcare.gov or Medicare.gov when you’re not.
**Type the name of the website directly into the search engine.**
Look for small “Ad” or “Sponsored” labels next to [search results](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/searching-health-insurance-keep-scrolling-avoid-government-impersonators) to identify paid ads. Scroll past paid ads and be sure to look for the .gov ending.
If the scam involves Medicare, report it at [Medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud) or 800-633-4227.
Medicare Marketing Violations and Misleading Marketing
This is a warning for Medicare plan sign-up season. Some sellers say they are from Medicare, push you to join a plan, or offer gifts. Others call or text without permission or show up at the door. This is against the rules for Medicare plan marketing.
Health insurance companies try to reach people in various ways, like television commercials, radio ads, events, mailings, phone calls, and texts.
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Says they are from or sent by Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid
Offers you gifts if you agree to sign up for their plan
Sends you text message or calls you without your permission
Pressures you to enroll in their plan
Approaches you in public and tries to sell you a plan
People who show up at your loved one’s home and try to sell them a Medicare plan
People who offer your loved one gifts or money to sign up for a plan
Medicare Card Scams
Scammers call and say you need a new Medicare card, such as a plastic or chip card. Their real goal is to get your Medicare number. Medicare is not changing the card. Some people did get new cards with new numbers in March and April 2026, but those come in the mail with a letter that explains why.
In 2018, Medicare updated the Medicare card from containing a person’s Social Security number to a random identifier that includes numbers and letters.
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Note: In March and April 2026, some Medicare beneficiaries are receiving new Medicare cards with new numbers.
Medicare is sending these new cards with a letter explaining why a new number has been issued.
If you aren’t sure if mail from Medicare is legitimate, call 1-800-Medicare and ask.
Medicare is switching to a card with chip in it.
They need your Medicare number to see if you have received your new one yet.
They need you to verify your Medicare number so they can confirm you have the correct Medicare card.
5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam—and How to Protect Yourself
Scammers pretend to be Medicare, an insurer, or a doctor's office to steal your Medicare number. They offer free items, push you to switch plans, say your card must be renewed, threaten to cancel benefits, or promise a refund. Scams rise during Open Enrollment.
A fraudster may call and say you need to activate, renew, or upgrade your Medicare card.
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The caller says your benefits will be canceled if you don’t immediately verify your personal information or join a new plan.
Another common Medicare scam tactic is telling older adults they qualify for a refund due to changes in their plan.
If someone unfamiliar calls asking you for personal details, simply hang up.
Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).