Medicare scams are more common than many people realize—and they can be devastating. These scams don’t just risk your money; they can jeopardize your coverage and expose your personal information.
Whether you’re navigating Medicare yourself or helping a loved one through the process, understanding how to spot a scam can make all the difference. Below are some of the most common red flags to look out for, and what to do if you suspect someone is trying to take advantage of you.
1. Unsolicited Calls About Free Medical Equipment
If someone calls you out of the blue offering “free” braces, wheelchairs, or other equipment and asks for your Medicare number, hang up. These are usually scams designed to bill Medicare for items you didn’t request and may never receive.
👉 What to do: Never give your Medicare number over the phone unless you initiated the call and trust the provider.
2. Pressure to Act Immediately
Scammers often use urgency to push you into making quick decisions—like saying your Medicare benefits are about to expire or that you’ll miss out on a special offer.
👉 What to do: Legitimate Medicare representatives will never rush you. If someone is pressuring you, it’s a red flag.
3. Someone Pretends to Be from Medicare
You might receive a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, asking to “verify” your number. But here’s the truth: Medicare will never call you to ask for your personal information.
👉 What to do: Hang up and report the call. If you’re unsure, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
4. Offers That Sound Too Good to Be True
“Get $500 in Medicare benefits just for signing up!” Sound familiar? Scammers often make promises that don’t line up with what Medicare actually offers.
👉 What to do: Be cautious of anything that sounds like a giveaway or cash reward. Medicare doesn’t offer cash bonuses or prizes.
5. Suspicious Emails or Texts
Phishing scams are increasingly common. You might get an email or text that looks like it’s from Medicare, asking you to click a link or enter personal information.
👉 What to do: Don’t click any links. Medicare does not communicate sensitive information through email or text.
6. Fake Health Plans
Some scammers pretend to offer Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, but they’re not affiliated with any legitimate insurance company.
👉 What to do: Only enroll through trusted sources. A licensed Benefit Consultant can help you verify the plan’s legitimacy.
7. Charges on Your Medicare Statement You Don’t Recognize
It’s easy to overlook your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB), but they’re one of the best tools to spot fraud. Look for services or charges you don’t remember receiving.
👉 What to do: If something looks off, call the provider or Medicare to report the error. At Senior Financial Group, we help our clients with these calls.
How to Protect Yourself
Guard your Medicare number like you would your Social Security number.
Don’t share personal details unless you know who you’re talking to.
Review your Medicare statements regularly.
Ask questions if anything seems confusing or off.
When in Doubt, Ask for Help
Scammers thrive on confusion, and Medicare can be overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to sort it out on your own. That’s why we’re here.
At Senior Financial Group, our licensed Benefit Consultants offer free, one-on-one guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions about your Medicare coverage.
👉 Need help or have a question about a suspicious call?
Schedule a free consultation or call us—we’re happy to help.