Frequently Asked Questions
How do Medicare scams work?
Medicare scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating Medicare representatives, offering free medical equipment or tests in exchange for your Medicare number, then billing Medicare for services never provided. Your Medicare number is as valuable as your Social Security number — guard it carefully and never share it with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
Will Medicare ever call me asking for my Medicare number?
No — Medicare will never call you unsolicited asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information. Medicare only contacts you by mail. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for personal information, hang up immediately. It is a scam.
What is the most common Medicare scam?
The most common Medicare scam is the fake equipment scam: fraudsters call offering free medical equipment (knee braces, back supports, CPAP machines, diabetic supplies) and ask only for your Medicare number for shipping. They then bill Medicare for expensive equipment you never receive — and may sell your Medicare number to other scammers.
How do I report Medicare fraud?
Report Medicare fraud to the Medicare fraud hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also report online at oig.hhs.gov or through the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you suspect your Medicare number has been compromised, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
What is Social Security impersonation scam?
Social Security impersonation scams involve callers claiming to be SSA agents who say your Social Security number has been suspended, linked to a crime, or involved in drug trafficking. They demand immediate payment (often in gift cards) to avoid arrest. The Social Security Administration never suspends your SSN, never demands immediate payment, and never asks for gift cards.
Seniors lose over $3 billion annually to Medicare and Social Security scams — making them the most financially devastating fraud targeting older Americans. These scams are sophisticated, emotionally manipulative, and constantly evolving. The best protection is knowing exactly how each scam works before you encounter one. Here is every major scam you need to know.
The 5 Most Common Medicare Scams
1. Free Medical Equipment Scam
You receive a call, email, or ad offering free back braces, knee supports, diabetic shoes, CPAP machines, or other equipment — with "Medicare covers it, just give us your Medicare number." The fraudsters use your number to bill Medicare for thousands of dollars in equipment you may never receive.
The rule: Legitimate medical equipment suppliers do not contact you unsolicited. Equipment covered by Medicare requires a doctor's prescription. If you did not initiate the contact, it is a scam.
2. Free Health Screening Scam
Tables set up at shopping centers, churches, or senior centers offering "free" Medicare health screenings. They collect your Medicare number, then bill Medicare for screenings that were never performed, or for extensive tests you did not need and did not consent to.
The rule: If someone at an unofficial location offers free screenings and asks for your Medicare card, decline and walk away. Legitimate screenings are arranged by your doctor.
3. Medicare Card Replacement Scam
A caller says your Medicare card needs to be replaced or updated and asks you to "verify" your information including your Medicare number, Social Security number, and bank account number for "direct deposit of benefits." There is no such update process.
The rule: Medicare never calls you to ask for your Medicare number. If you need a replacement Medicare card, request it at ssa.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
4. Genetic Testing Scam
This newer scam offers free genetic testing (cancer screening, pharmacogenomics) at events or by mail — requiring only your Medicare number. The lab bills Medicare for $5,000–$10,000 in tests, the results are typically useless, and your Medicare number is now in fraudsters' hands.
The rule: Genetic testing must be ordered by your personal physician based on your medical history. Never accept genetic testing from anyone other than your doctor.
5. Prescription Drug Discount Card Scam
Offers of "exclusive" Medicare drug discount cards or programs that require your Medicare number or a small processing fee. Legitimate drug discount programs (like GoodRx) never require your Medicare number and are always free.
Social Security Scams
Social Security Number Suspension Scam
The most common and frightening scam: a caller claims to be an SSA agent and says your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, drug trafficking, or identity theft. They demand immediate payment — often in gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — to restore your benefits or avoid arrest.
• Suspend your Social Security number
• Demand immediate payment to avoid arrest
• Ask you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
• Threaten you with arrest or legal action over the phone
• Ask for your bank account number to "protect" your benefits
Overpayment Scam
A caller says you were "overpaid" Social Security benefits and must return the money immediately to avoid legal consequences. The real SSA handles overpayments by mail with formal documentation and offers repayment plans — they never demand immediate payment by phone.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Scam
Especially common after SSA announces the annual COLA: scammers call claiming you need to "update your information" to receive your increase. You must pay a processing fee or provide personal information. The COLA is automatic — you never need to do anything to receive it.
How to Protect Yourself
- Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number — never give it to anyone who contacts you
- Register for the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov — it does not stop all scam calls but reduces them
- Never pay anyone demanding gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — these are always scams
- If you get a suspicious Medicare call, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to verify
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) every quarter — report any charges for services you did not receive
- Create a "My Social Security" account at ssa.gov to monitor your earnings record and benefit information
- Tell family members or trusted friends about scams so they can help protect you
How to Report Fraud
- Medicare fraud: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or oig.hhs.gov
- Social Security fraud: 1-800-269-0271 or oig.ssa.gov
- FTC fraud reporting: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Elder fraud hotline (DOJ): 1-833-FRAUD-11
Reporting fraud is important not just for you, but to protect other seniors. Fraud investigators use reports to identify and prosecute scam operations.
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