Hey Fishy

Scam guides · updated November 9, 2026

Medicare scam calls: what they say and what to do

Medicare won’t call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, sell you anything, or offer a new card. If someone does, hang up. If you have questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself.

Got one? Check it now:

Free · no sign-up · answers in seconds

What it looks like

Call · example
Hi, I’m calling from Medicare. You qualify for a free back brace and a new plastic Medicare card. I just need to verify your Medicare number.

Other forms it takes

The “new plastic card” call
Caller: “Medicare is sending out new plastic cards this month. I just need to confirm your Medicare number so we can mail yours.”
The free genetic test
Caller: “Medicare now covers a free DNA cancer screening. We’ll mail you a cheek swab kit today. What’s your Medicare number?”
The threat to your benefits
Voicemail: “This is the Medicare benefits office. Your health benefits will be canceled today unless you call back at (213) 555-0127 to verify your information.”

How the scam plays out

  1. Someone calls, knocks on your door or sets up a booth at a health fair, offering something free: a brace, a test or a new card.
  2. They ask for your Medicare number “to verify” you or to send the item.
  3. They use your number to bill Medicare for equipment or tests you never got or didn’t need.
  4. A test kit or brace may arrive in the mail even though your doctor never ordered it.
  5. If Medicare denies the claim, you could be billed for the whole cost of a test, which can be thousands of dollars.
  6. Your stolen information can be used again in other fraud.

Signs it’s a scam

What to do

  1. Hang up and don’t give any numbers.
  2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself if you’re unsure.
  3. Check your Medicare statements for services you never got.

How to check if it’s real

  1. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
  2. Log in to your secure account at Medicare.gov to see your Original Medicare claims as soon as they’re processed.
  3. Compare your Medicare statements with your calendar. Did you get every service listed?
  4. Before any brace, equipment or genetic test, talk to a doctor you know and trust.

Already clicked, paid or shared something?

  1. See a charge for a brace, test or service you never got? Call 1-800-MEDICARE, or report it online to the HHS Office of Inspector General.
  2. Spot a mistake on a statement? Ask your doctor’s office or health plan to explain it.
  3. Got a test kit you didn’t order? Refuse the delivery or send it back. Write down the sender’s name and the date.
  4. Think someone is using your Medicare Number? Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
  5. Gave your Medicare or Social Security number to a caller? Report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan.
  6. Paid the caller? Call your bank or card company right away and ask them to reverse the payment.

Where to report it

Related scams

Sources