The phone rang just after breakfast. The caller claimed to be from Medicare and explained that a new Medicare card was on the way. They only needed to “verify” a few details to avoid interrupting benefits. Everything sounded convincing — until the caller asked for a Medicare number and banking information. It was a scam.
Unfortunately, stories like this have become increasingly common. Scammers’ tactics have become more sophisticated over the years, and they prey on people’s confusion, building a false sense of urgency, and exploiting people’s trust.
Knowing what to watch for can help protect you, especially during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.
Why Scams Increase This Time of Year
Every year, from October 15 through December 7, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) gives members the opportunity to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.
During this time, you’ll likely see more advertisements, receive more mail, and hear from licensed insurance agents. Scammers like to take advantage of this increased activity by making their calls or messages seem legitimate.
How to Spot a Scam
A common tactic scammers use is creating a sense of urgency. A scam caller may claim your Medicare coverage is ending, that your Medicare card must be replaced immediately, or that you need to provide your Medicare number in order to keep your benefits.
What every Medicare beneficiary should know is that original Medicare does not expire and does not require annual renewal. While you may choose to review your coverage during AEP, no one should pressure you into making an immediate decision. If someone unexpectedly contacts you demanding personal information or insisting you “act now,” consider it a warning sign that the call is a scam.
There are other common Medicare scam tactics to be on the lookout for too. They include:
- Asking to verify your Medicare number or Social Security number.
- Offering free medical equipment, genetic testing, or extra benefits in exchange for your personal information.
- Claiming your coverage is ending unless you act immediately.
- Requesting payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has also made it easier for scammers to create realistic emails, text messages, and phone calls that appear genuine. Caller ID can also be spoofed, meaning your phone may display a trusted name or number even when the call is not coming from the organization it appears to be.
Unless you initiated the contact or are expecting a return call about a case you opened, Medicare generally does not call beneficiaries to request Medicare numbers, banking information, or payment. If you receive an unexpected call requesting personal information, hang up and contact Medicare or your health plan using their official telephone number.
Protect Yourself with Confidence
You can’t stop scammers from being scammers, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from their tactics:
- Protect your Medicare number as carefully as you would a credit card.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for any services you don’t recognize, as these statements can help you identify potential Medicare fraud.
- Keep a record of your medical appointments and compare them with your Medicare statements.
- Never feel pressured to make an immediate enrollment decision.
- Verify unexpected phone calls, emails, or text messages using official contact information.
- If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and hang up.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam or if you’ve shared personal information with a scammer, act quickly. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE, your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your bank. Reporting scams promptly can help protect others from being targeted.
The more you understand Medicare and today’s scams, the better prepared you’ll be to protect yourself and your loved ones. This enrollment season, take your time, ask questions, and remember that no legitimate Medicare decision should ever be made under pressure.
