Scam calls
Medicare scam calls: what Medicare will and won't do
The short answer
Medicare won’t call you to sell anything and won’t come to your home. It only calls for personal information in limited situations, like returning your call after you joined a plan, reported fraud, or left a message (Medicare.gov).
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Don’t give it to anyone who calls you. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (Medicare.gov).
Common Medicare scams
- A caller offers ‘free’ medical equipment or supplies in exchange for your Medicare number (AARP).
- A caller pushes genetic testing. AARP notes Medicare pays for genetic testing only in very limited cases, so people can get stuck with a big bill (AARP).
- A telemarketer threatens that you’ll lose Medicare unless you accept an offer quickly (AARP).
- Someone pressures you to switch plans over the phone during Open Enrollment (FTC).
What Medicare says
- Medicare won’t call to sell you anything or visit you at home (Medicare.gov).
- Don’t join a plan over the phone unless you made the call (Medicare.gov).
- Check your Medicare statements for services or equipment you never got (Medicare.gov).
Open Enrollment is prime time for scams
Medicare’s Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, when you can join or switch Medicare Advantage and drug plans (Medicare.gov). Scammers use this window to pose as plan representatives (FTC). To compare or join plans safely, use Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact a plan directly (Medicare.gov).
Free, unbiased help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which isn’t connected to any insurance company (Medicare.gov).
What to do if you get a suspicious call
- Hang up. Don’t confirm your name, Medicare number, or Social Security number.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check or report it (Medicare.gov).
- For Medicare Advantage or drug plan fraud, you can call the investigations contractor at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379) (Medicare.gov).
- Get local help from your Senior Medicare Patrol through SMP Resource Center.
If you gave out your Medicare number
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened, then watch your statements closely for charges you don’t recognize (Medicare.gov). If you also shared your Social Security number, see what to do after a data breach.
AARP has more on preventing Medicare fraud. See also fake government calls and grandparent scams.
Common questions
Does Medicare call people?
Only in limited situations, like returning your call after you joined a plan, reported fraud, or left a message. Medicare won’t call to sell you anything (Medicare.gov).
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
October 15 to December 7 each year. Plan changes made then start January 1 (Medicare.gov).
How do I report a Medicare scam call?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For Medicare Advantage or drug plan fraud, you can also call 1-877-7SAFERX (Medicare.gov).
Should I give my Medicare number to a caller offering free equipment?
No. Don’t share your Medicare number with anyone who calls you out of the blue (Medicare.gov).
Can I sign up for a plan over the phone?
Only if you made the call yourself, to Medicare or to a plan you looked up (Medicare.gov).
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.