This is important for you to know if you are on Medicare or helping someone who is: scammers are getting smarter and are coming straight for your benefits.
I know it for a fact. Last year, someone called my neighbour and pretended to be from Medicare. They knew her name, address, and even part of her ID. She believed it was real. A week later, she saw costs for equipment she never ordered. It took a long time to fix.
And tragically, she’s not the only one.
Seniors lost more than $158 billion to scams in 2024 alone. A lot of the money came from fraudulent Medicare calls, messages, and emails. This isn’t just a problem. It’s stealing. It’s stealing someone’s identity. You don’t need this kind of stress in your life.
That’s why I made this guide. This isn’t a brochure full of fluff; it’s a genuine, plain look at what’s going on out there, how these scams work, and what you (or your loved ones) can do right now to protect yourself.
We’re not going to make something sound better than it is. But we’re going to give you real tools, genuine tales, and the kind of counsel that I wish someone had given my neighbour before it happened to her.
Let’s look at how these scams work and how you can stop them.
Why Medicare Scams Are Getting Worse in 2025
Let’s not act like this is new. People have been committing Medicare fraud for years. But things have changed.
Scams are quicker, more believable, and harder to recognise in 2025. Why? Because scammers have more and better data. People can buy your name, address, Medicare ID, and even old claims on the dark web. They don’t have to guess anymore. They already sound like they know you.
The government is aware of this as well. The Department of Justice recently charged over 300 people with Medicare fraud that cost the government $14.6 billion. That’s not a mistake. And that’s only the fraud they found.
But here’s the worst part: these frauds often go for folks who are alone or sick. That’s who scammers go after. And they don’t just call once. If they think someone is weak, they’ll keep coming back.
Some scammers even look like they are helping, which makes it much more aggravating. A “Medicare agent” calls to tell you about a better plan. A “health provider” says they will provide DNA testing for free. To get a new card, a “representative” needs to check your ID. They are polite. They sound like they are from the government. But it’s all a lie.
Scammers pretending to be from official agencies like Medicare are getting bolder — read our full guide on government impersonation scams to understand how dangerous this trick has become.
Good if you’re thinking, “I would never fall for that.” But this article is not just for you. It’s for the people in your life who might think twice, and that’s all these scammers require.
This is a serious threat that is becoming worse. The first step to staying ahead of it is to know the tricks.
Common Medicare Scam Tactics in 2025
If you’ve ever answered a call that started with “Hi, I’m calling from Medicare,” you should be on high alert. But a lot of folks don’t hang up. That’s what scammers want you to do.
Let’s look at what they’re doing in 2025 and how they fool even the most careful people:
1. The “New Medicare Card” Lie
You get a call announcing that Medicare is sending you a new card made of plastic or with a chip. They merely need to “check” your ID. Sounds normal, right?
No, it’s not.
Medicare won’t call you to change your cards. Never. This fraud blew out on Reddit earlier this year. One person said that their elderly father submitted his full ID to someone who said they were from Medicare. A week later, their benefits were gone.
What to do: Hang up. Then call 1-800-MEDICARE to tell them about it.
2. Free DNA or genetic testing
This one comes with a health increase. You’ll hear, “You can get a free cancer screening if you just give us your Medicare number.”
It’s bait. They charge Medicare for tests you didn’t need or never got and keep the money. Your Medicare ID is now tagged for fraud, which is even worse.
What to do: If your doctor doesn’t provide it immediately, it’s a scam.
3. Threats to cancel coverage
They warn you need to act now or your Medicare will be cancelled. That sense of urgency is an illusion.
You won’t get threatening calls or texts from Medicare. People who are trying to trick you do.
What to do: Don’t give out information when you’re under pressure. No real agency works that way.
4. Fake Plan Review or Switch Offers
Scammers pretend to be Medicare Advantage or Part D agents and offer better plans. They try to change your coverage without your permission and then bill Medicare under a false provider.
What to do: Only talk to trusted, licensed agents about plan adjustments. Never do it over the phone.
These schemes aren’t by chance. They are based on data, scripted, and practiced. The individuals behind them know precisely what to say to make you stop and think for a second.
They only need that one second.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Medicare Benefits
You can’t just “be careful” anymore. These frauds are meant to seem natural. So here’s what really works, and what I tell everyone I care about to do:
1. Use Your Medicare ID Like a Credit Card
Would you give a stranger your credit card number over the phone? No? Then don’t give out your Medicare number either.
No one else should ever ask for it, and they should never do so over the phone or by email without your permission.
If someone asks for it out of the blue, say, “Let me call Medicare directly,” and hang up.
2. Always check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
People don’t give this one enough credit. Your MSN lists all the services that Medicare paid for. If you find charges for equipment, tests, or visits that you never had, that’s a sign that something is wrong.
Once a month, check your MSN. Tell someone if something seems strange.
3. Use the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
There is one in every state. They assist you find and report Medicare fraud, and they don’t cost anything. Their only responsibility is to keep people like you safe.
You can find your state’s SMP here.
4. Know the Real Numbers
You only need these two numbers:
- 1-800-MEDICARE is the real thing.
- Call the customer support number on your insurance card (check it up).
If someone tells you to call “Medicare,” don’t do it.
5. Don’t believe caller ID
It’s easy to fake. Scammers might make it seem like they’re coming from “Medicare” or even your doctor’s office. Don’t trust the screen; trust your instinct.
It probably is if it feels wrong.
These steps may seem tiny, but they do work. You don’t want to live in terror. It’s to keep things in check.
No one should be wasting sleep or money over something that can be stopped.
Many of the same fraudsters who target Medicare users are also behind fake job offers — especially online. Check out our breakdown of common work-from-home job scams to avoid falling for those too.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
First, don’t freak out.
Every day, educated and careful people do it. The most crucial thing is to move rapidly.
This is what you need to do, step by step:
1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE
Let them know that your Medicare number might have been stolen. They can put a hold on your account, stop claims that look suspect, and help you figure out what to do next. They might give you a new Medicare number if you need one.
2. Get in touch with your state’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
They know a lot about getting money back from fraud. These are trained advocates who assist seniors report scams, get their benefits back, and learn how to avoid getting scammed again in the future.
You can get yours at here. If you’re unsure where to start or need extra support, we’ve listed some of the top national and local organizations that help seniors deal with scams and legal issues — these groups are free and focused on your safety.
3. Look at your Medicare Summary Notices
Check your statements from the last 3 to 6 months. Circle anything that doesn’t seem correct, like suppliers you don’t know, costs for stuff you never used, or claims that are the same.
It’s best to tell someone about this as soon as possible.
4. Tell someone about the scam
Your report helps other people avoid losing money, even if you didn’t.
Where to file a report:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
- Call 1-800-HHS-TIPS to report Medicare fraud.
Your state’s insurance department (particularly if you were switched to a new plan without knowing)
5. Talk to Someone You Trust
Scammers love it when people don’t talk. Speak with your doctor, chemist, or a family member you can trust. Tell them what happened so they can help, and be on the lookout too.
This isn’t about being ashamed. It’s about keeping yourself safe and helping others do the same.
Speak up if anything doesn’t feel right. A single phone call could save your whole retirement.
Checklist – How to Stay Scam-Safe in 2025
This list is your own Medicare protection tools. Make a copy. Give it away. Put it next to your phone or computer. Scammers rely on people being confused. This list will help you remain clear.
Before You Answer Any Call:
- Ask: Did I ask for this call?
- Check: Is it from a number you know?
- Just a reminder: Medicare doesn’t call you out of the blue. Never.
Before Giving Any Information:
- Don’t ever give your Medicare number to somebody you don’t know.
- If someone demands for personal information right away, hang up.
- Don’t believe caller ID; it might be spoofed.
Monthly habits:
- Look over your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs).
- Watch out for unusual charges or providers you don’t know.
- Don’t wait to report anything that seems off.
If you’re not sure
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE right now.
- Talk to a family member you can trust.
- Get in touch with your state’s Senior Medicare Patrol for help.
Be aware of these warning signs:
- “We’re sending you a new card for Medicare.”
- “You can get a free test or device.”
- “Unless you confirm, your coverage will be cancelled.”
- “We just need to check your Social Security number or ID.”
Report Here:
Reader-to-Reader — What’s One Thing You’d Tell Others About Medicare Scams?
You’ve made it to the end of this guide, which is already a big step forward from most individuals. But here’s the deal: scammers depend on silence. The more we talk about this, the less likely they are to win.
So here’s a simple question:
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you about Medicare frauds before?
It could be how real the calls sound.
It’s possible that Medicare never calls you.
Maybe it’s as simple as saying, “If something seems off, hang up.”
Whatever it is, tell someone. Please leave a remark. Let a friend know. Give this to someone at your senior centre when you print it out. Because this makes it harder for scammers to find people to swindle.
This tutorial will help someone else if it helped you.
And what if you’ve ever been scammed? You’re not the only one, and it’s not your fault.
Let’s keep each other up to date. Let’s stop this before it starts.
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