SCAM AWARENESSMedicare card scams
Medicare card scams target people with Medicare by claiming your card needs to be replaced, renewed or activated. The caller asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details. Scammers can use your Medicare number to bill for services you never got, which can cause problems with your records and benefits.
How this scam works
A caller says they are from Medicare or a "Medicare benefits office." They might say your card is expiring, that new plastic or chip cards are being sent out, or that you need to verify your information to keep coverage. Some offer free gifts, medical equipment or genetic tests if you will share your number.
To make it seem routine, they may already know your name and address. Then they ask you to "confirm" your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account. Some ask for a small fee for the new card. Once they have your number, it can be used to submit false claims or sold to others.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"Hello, I'm calling from the Medicare benefits office. Your current card is being replaced with a new plastic card. To keep your coverage active, I just need to confirm your Medicare number and the bank account where your benefits are linked."
Warning signs
- A call you didn't ask for about your Medicare card
- A fee to replace, renew, or "upgrade" your card
- Claims that your card must be activated or your coverage will end
- Offers of free equipment, tests or gifts in exchange for your number
- Requests for your Social Security number or bank account
- Pressure to sign up for a plan over the phone right now
How to protect yourself
- Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number and share it only with your doctors, insurers and people you trust.
- Know that Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home.
- Get a replacement card only through the official Medicare website or by calling the number on your card.
- Don't join a health or drug plan over the phone unless you made the call.
- Read your Medicare statements and report services you didn't receive.
If you already responded
- Call Medicare using the number on your card and tell them you shared your Medicare number with a scammer.
- Review your Medicare statements for any services, tests or equipment you didn't receive.
- If you gave your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze.
- If you gave bank details, contact your bank and ask it to watch for or block fraud.
- Report the call to Medicare's fraud line or online, and to the FTC.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- Medicare: report fraud and abuse ↗
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
Common questions
Does Medicare call people about their cards?
Medicare says it will never call you to sell you anything or visit your home. It will only call and ask for personal information in limited cases, such as returning a call you made. If someone calls out of the blue about your card, hang up and call the number on your card.
Do I have to pay for a new Medicare card?
No. Replacement Medicare cards are free. You can request one through your account on the official Medicare website or by calling the number on your card. Anyone who asks for a fee to send, renew or activate a Medicare card is trying to scam you.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
A scammer can use your Medicare number to bill Medicare for services, tests or equipment you never received. This can mess up your medical records and may affect coverage later. Check your Medicare statements carefully and report anything you don't recognize to Medicare.