I've heard about Medicare fraud. What steps can I take to protect myself from scams related to Medicare?

Question

Marsha Reiniers · Accepted Answer

To protect against Medicare fraud, be as vigilant a you would with your credit cards and financial accounts. Don't share your information with anyone unless you know exactly who you are talking with. Check your Medicare claims history and use your login at www.Medicare.gov website to review your claims. If you see charges for services you never received - notify Medicare. Be careful of phone calls asking for your private information, your Medicare ID, social security number, etc. These are red flags.

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, MI & NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

There is fraud, but that does not apply to you unless you file a fraudulent claim or your doctor. Do not share your Medicare information with someone you don't know. Never give to someone on the phone unless you have identified the person who may ask for your Medicare number. I highly recommend meeting with a licensed agent or broker who can assist with your Medicare questions or needs.

Answered by Gary Church on July 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. My name is Steve and I'm the husband half of the Medicare husband and wife team. My wife, Sue, is off today, so I thought I'd answer a couple of questions. The one we're looking at now, this person asks, "I've heard about Medicare fraud. What steps can I take to protect myself from scams related to Medicare?"

I'll give you the biggest one right off the bat. When someone calls you, and we get these calls too, we're agents. When someone calls you and asks if you have your Part A and Part B, or do you have your grocery card, just hang up on them. They're usually from a foreign country calling you or some call center somewhere. And they're not legit. They're not legitimate agents, and they trick people.

We've had several clients get tricked into signing up. They didn't even know they were doing it, signing up for something that they didn't even know. And it just creates a big problem and it's a big mess. So that's number one. If somebody calls you because part of the Medicare rules, one of the Medicare rules is we can't just call people randomly. We have to get your permission to be able to call you. So hang up on them real easy, and that'll cut out 90% of it.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Fraud generally comes in the form of waste, fraud and abuse such as providers billing for services not done, or unnecessary tests being preformed, pharmacy meds and others. Deal with licensed agents and brokers providing plans. If you suspect something call the Medicare Hot Line.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

Never provide your medicare number to anyone that you don't absolutely intend to change your plan with or enroll in something or a doctor that needs it (of course). That is the biggest way to make sure you aren't scammed. Secondly, consider hanging up on phone solicitors and look up a trusted local agent in your area to assist you with your choices.

Answered by Terri Reagin on September 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, never share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or door-to-door. Review your Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits carefully to make sure you received all listed services. Be cautious of offers for “free” medical equipment or services that require your Medicare number. If something looks suspicious, report it to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Guard your personal information
Treat your Medicare card and number like a credit card. Don't give out your Medicare Number or Social Security Number .

Vincent Murray · Answer

Don't answer the phone from illegal telemarketers!!!!! The only one who hates getting telemarketing calls more than you is a licensed Medicare agent who does things the right way. IF you request information about Medicare expect a call. Do not request medicare information unless you know the person is local to your area. Never give your medicare information to someone who you don't know. Make sure to ask for their Medicare License number and look them up on your states Insurance website to make sure they are a legit Medicare agent. My license number is PRR253628.

Answered by Vincent Murray on October 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in ME, FL & NH

Answered by Vincent Murray Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

If you did not request information about Medicare do not answer the phone for random people who call you out of the Blue about Medicare. 
Only talk to people that you signed a written agreement for them to talk to you. 
I would also google their name they work for. Not the insurance company name and their personal name to see if they have a reputation. 
For instance, If you google my personal name you will see great reviews about me and my team.
If you google each medical company you will get mixed reviews. 
You have to know and trust the person who is giving you recommendations.

Andrew Firmin · Answer

It is estimated that there is $120 billion worth of fraud in the Medicare system each year. One of the ways that you can help guard against this is to protect your Medicare number, just as you would your Social Security number. The other thing you can do is monitor your Medicare summary notice or your Advantage company's explanation of benefits. This is a notice that will list any claims that have been filed on your behalf. It's important to review these notices to make sure the claims that are being filed are for services or equipment that you actually had for yourself. If you find something on either of these notices, it's important for you to notify Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or your Medicare Advantage insurance company. Again, the best thing you can do to avoid fraud and protect against this in the Medicare system is to protect your Medicare number, just as you would your Social Security number. Until next time, be healthy and be well.

Cheri Rogers · Answer

Never give anyone you don't know, especially on the phone, any of your personal information. There are many scammers who will call you as you near turning 65. It is always advisabel to contact a licensed and certified Medicare Agent who is obligated to find you the best plan to suit your needs.

Answered by Cheri Rogers on June 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in NM & TX

Answered by Cheri Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Maisel · Answer

Hi, this is Dan Maisel, Daniel Maisel Insurance Solutions, also known as Dan the Medicare Man. Glad you asked that question. That's an important one. People are concerned today with Medicare fraud, with scams, even so much so that Dr. Oz just recently broadcasted a warning to people to be careful in who they give information to. That's what you have an agent for. From my findings, it seems like 90% of the people I talk to, if they already have Medicare, don't even know who their agent is anymore. Oftentimes, they call massive call centers whose only job is signing up for Medicare. It's a little bit different. You're an agent when you have a personal agent like myself. Our job is to work for you. We don't work for the insurance companies. I represent many companies. There's over 97 plans in my area of Southern California. I don't represent them all. I represent about 65 plans, but we find the ones that fit your needs according to what you find you need. By doing a needs assessment, if we're able to find it and figure out what it is you need, who your doctor is, your prescriptions, your hospitals that you would like to go to, they usually make the decisions on Medicare based on the wrong thing. They base it on being healthy. Well, the older we get, the more likely we may have a health problem. That's what your agent is there for, to answer your questions, work with you, not just one time and you never hear from them again, but to work with you and to be able to answer questions when you need it, when you have a problem. We're here to help. The bottom line is, contact your agent if you know who it is. I'm glad to help you if you don't, but it's a pretty good provision that was set up, rather than the old-fashioned commercial business that the federal government had of having to deal with people and maybe you get a hold of them, maybe you don't. Call your agent. We're always glad to help. That's what we get paid for. We're your agent. Have a good day.

Edward Givens · Answer

Medicare fraud is real, and staying sharp is key. Here’s your quick defense plan from a seasoned Medicare agent:

Protect your Medicare number like it’s a credit card — don’t share it unless you’re sure who you’re talking to.

Be skeptical of “free” offers — if someone calls or shows up offering free braces, tests, or supplies in exchange for your Medicare info, it’s likely a scam.

Check your statements — review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for anything you didn’t receive.

Hang up on unsolicited calls — Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or ask for your number out of the blue.

Report suspicious activity — call 1-800-MEDICARE or your agent (like me) if something seems off.

Simple rule: If it feels fishy, don’t bite. Let’s keep your benefits safe and your peace of mind intact.

Christopher Palazzini · Answer

Never give out your Medicare # to anyone over the phone unless it's your doctors office or agent during Annual Enrollment 10/15-12/7 as long as you are requesting a update/change of insurance.

Marc Rheingold · Answer

Be aware of suspicious calls especially during the open enrollment period. Do not give out personal information over the phone.  When in doubt contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227

Barry Baker · Answer

Fake Medicare representatives are a major problem.
Have your State Department of Insurance investigate one of the representatives you want to work with.
Ask your reps for their National Producer Number, then verify it with the State Insurance Department.
Do not give your Medicare number, Social Security Number, or bank account numbers to anyone who calls you at random. Only trust the people you have verified.
Do not fall for promises that are too good to be true. THEY ARE FRAUDS. 

For further questions, please contact me.
BARRY BAKER

Sam Duffield · Answer

Don't give out information when people call you. If you give out information, it needs to be from you initiating the call.

Monica Butler · Answer

Do NOT share your Medicare information with anyone over the phone or online. Make sure that you are doing business with a reputable agent before your share your Medicare information with them.

Terrie Boteler · Answer

If you are concerned about Medicare fraud, there are steps you can protect yourself.
1) Be advised Medicare will never call you.
2) Cold calling is not permitted, so do not give out any personal information unless you initiated the call.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Be careful by interviewing 2-3 agents before deciding on the best plan for you. There is absolutely no “cookie-cutter” answer with Medicare! It has to do with your health, your family longevity and your pocketbook. In this way, you will obtain varying opinions and get a “feel” for the lack of any hesitation when you are asking pertinent questions.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

The first thing I would say is you should never give out your Medicare number to stranger on the phone. Also, anyone selling Plans must have a signed (by you) Permission to Call form, as no one is allowed to make "unsolicited "cold calls to Medicare recipients.
Most phone calls will ask if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. If you say Yes, and give them your Medicare number, you can count on being enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that you may or may not want and may or may not be good for you.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Don’t give your Medicare information to unsolicited callers trying to entice you into enrolling in a plan by offering benefits that sound too good to be true. These benefits require certain eligibility such as being on both Medicare & Medicaid. One final comment, if anyone claims that they are calling you from or on behalf of Medicare, they are lying. Medicare does not call, text or advertise on social media i.e. Facebook, etc. Mail is the only form of communication for Medicare, Social Security and the IRS.

Answered by Timothy Brown on June 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

Specific to Medicare fraud, the most important thing that you can do is to check your Medicare claims to be sure that you have actually received the services that are being billed. If you see claims on your report that do not look correct, you should contact Medicare at 1-800-Medicare or medicare.gov. Otherwise, protect your Medicare ID card and never give your Medicare number over the phone to someone that you do not know or trust.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on July 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Hannah Skinner · Answer

There are many steps you can take to avoid Medicare fraud. Keep your Medicare card/number in a safe place out of the public eye. Only share this number with medical providers or an insurance agent who YOU have contacted. Never give your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you first. Insurance agents will require this information to help you make changes to your plan, but you can schedule an appointment with an agent who you trust. 

In most cases Medicare fraud affects the medical providers and insurance carriers more than the insured, but it is always good to be diligent in keeping your information safe.

David Haynes · Answer

One thing to watch out for is an automated call that might call you to an out of country agent. I would be wary of this myself. Ask for the NPN number of any agent you may deal with over the phone, especially with inbound robocalls that transfer you.

Answered by David Haynes on December 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by David Haynes Medicare Insurance Agent

Constance Phillips · Answer

First of all, you should not answer calls from an unknown number. Remember, Medicare will not call you. Never give out your Medicare number and or any personal information.

I have received numerous calls from callers that claim they work with Medicare and they recite some of my diagnoses. The callers use a number that has my area code.

If you get a fraudulent call, you can report it to the Medicare Fraud Hotline: 1 (800)-HHS-TIPS or you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice to name a few ways to report fraud.

Christopher Garcia · Answer

It’s very important to understand some basics that will allow you to spot scams and help differentiate them from legitimate calls. Medicare and social security will never call you. They will send letter, however when someone calls asking for you to provide personal private info or stating that they are calling for a legitimate reason you should in my opinion be skeptical. Here are a few tips to help.

1. Always get a name and phone number and ask for a license number from the people who are calling. Ask what company they are with. If they are not a scammer they should have a number where they can be reached directly. 

2. Don’t give private information out over the phone. This information is what scammers are hoping to get. Guard your info and if your concerned that you may be speaking to a scammer simply hang up. 

3. Know some basic rules that apply to medicare sales. Agents are not allowed to solicit medicare beneficiaries without expressed permission. An agent has to have a permission to contact form or a scope of appointment in order to call
you for sales purposes. You can call them directly but the rules protect you from being solicited and knowing that can help you spot scammers or even agents who don’t play by the rules. 

4. Lastly if you have a local agent that you know and trust reach out to them for guidance. They can help educate you on the rules and be used as a resource to help you spot scammers.

Steven Kirsch · Answer

Don't give out your Medicare claim number to anyone over the phone if you do not know who they are.  Check your explanation of benefits each month to make sure you are being billed correctly.

Lou Ann Pyatt · Answer

Be care in answering unsolicited callers asking for your Medicare ID. If you have an agent, only share your personal information with that person and the Carrier you have your plan through. Also, always review your monthly statements to confirm that you received the services your provider billed for.

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt on April 28, 2026

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt Medicare Insurance Agent

George Kolitsas · Answer

Never give your Medicare ID over the phone! Treat your ID like your own social security number. Only give your Medicare ID to people/brokers/professionals that you trust with 100% certainty.

Areasha Lockhart · Answer

One big step you can take to avoid Medicare Fraud is to NOT answer the 800 numbers or call any 800 number. If you have a Medicare agent you trust, contact them to ask your questions. You can get scammed pretty easy by calling 800 numbers that can ultimately change your plan without you knowing. This can cause a disruption in your care and cause other delays for your care as well. Find a trusted Medicare Agent to ask your questions. I always tell my clients if they receive mail with 800 numbers that say: "Call today to see if you qualify" or "you can get $2,000 back on your social security check", to bring them into my office and I can make sure they are legit or a scam. I also encourage clients to have their family involved in their care, most of the time the family member can help the understand things. In my office, there is no dumb questions!

Answered by Areasha Lockhart on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, IA & ME

Answered by Areasha Lockhart Medicare Insurance Agent

Sheila Dow · Answer

Keep your Medicare ID safe and don't share it with anyone you don't know. 
Always check and review your Benefit payment statements to confirm the charges are pertaining to procedures you have had

Alicia Rosenquist · Answer

To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, never share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or door-to-door. Review your Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits carefully to make sure you received all listed services. Be cautious of offers for “free” medical equipment or services that require your Medicare number. If something looks suspicious, report it to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Dorothy Lam · Answer

First, know that no one from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), which administers the Medicare program, will ever call on the phone to a Medicare member. All communication is done by mail. Second, if someone claiming to be calling from Medicare does call you, note the phone number and report that to CMS.

Also, check over the Explanation of Benefits forms that come to you explaining the medical and prescription claims that have been sent to your plan. Make sure you recognize these charges as your, that is, you remember going to the doctor or filling the listed prescription, as it is listed. If you did not receive those reservices, call the plan to report possible fraud.

There are many unscrupulous advertisers out there who hope you will call a number to get "free information" but intend to direct you to an agent to enroll you in a plan. Look carefully on all printed advertisements for the required statement disclosing a call will give them permissions to connect you with a sales agent. None of these advertisements are from CMS or another government agency, which does offer free information. The advertisements are all intended to sell you a Medicare plan, either an Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement plan.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

safeguard your Medicare number like a credit card, carefully review your statements, and be wary of unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information. Medicare will not call you asking for your information unless you've initiated the contact. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

1. Guard your Medicare card. Don’t carry it unless you need it for an appointment.
2. Hang up on unsolicited calls. Medicare will never call you out of the blue requesting your personal information.
3. Check your Medicare Summary Notices.
4. Beware of “free” offers. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
5. Use a trusted resource like me, a licensed agent, or call 1-800-Medicare if you are unsure.

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Good question! A few things. #1 don't call any ads on the TV! #2 Don't reply to postcards claiming to come from Medicare and wanting to update your benefits. If you look at the return address of these postcards, it's an insurance agency, NOT Medicare. By signing and returning these postcards, you've given written permission to be contacted by an insurance agent who is not local to you and not knowledgeable about your area. Don't do it! #3 Don't take any phone calls from telemarketing companies or even individual agents. Those calls promoting Medicare Part C, aka Advantage plans, are 100% illegal without your permission giving them to call you! Why would you do such important business about your healthcare to someone who called you illegally?! #4 Don't click on any text messages, or email links, about Medicare. They will likely put a virus on your device to steal your info! #5 As always, if some ad sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true! Always call your trusted agent.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

To prevent being scammed it's in your best interest to have a trusted Medicare agent that you can speak to about anything insurance.

If you encounter a problem ever, you can call 1-800-Medicare.

Jack Mayer · Answer

Get a trusted agent and only work with them, we always put the client first. We are compliant and well trained. Others just want to take ppl for a ride

Karen Ansell · Answer

Over the years Medicare has spent millions of dollars on fraud , waste and abuse from people intentionally deceiving Medicare resources for their own personal gain.
You can take steps to help protect Medicare for the future.

1. Check your Summary of Benefits you receive from Medicare to make sure the charges are correct and that you actually received them.
2. Make sure you have a secure account with Medicare and do not give out your Medicare number to anyone you do not know.
3. Report to 1-800Medicare any charges or supplies you receive that are not correct.

Don Hansford · Answer

The best advice I could give is for you to remain diligent at all times. Most mistakes are made when someone lets their guard down. Never give out any private info to someone over the phone who you don’t personally know, such as your Medicare number, Social Security number, etc. This is especially true if they called you. 
Also, do not open any emails that you do not recognize the sender and NEVER click on any links unless you are 100% sure it is legitimate.

Brent Mowery · Answer

Do not answer any direct calls from Social Security, Medicare or anyone claiming to represent a government agency. Government agencies will communicate with you in written form, not unless you have specifically requested that your communication be verbal. 

Also, keep your EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) from Medicare and match them to your statements from your providers. If you are billed from an "unknown" provider, call them to understand if their billing is warranted or fraudulent. If fraudulent, report them to Medicare.

Gary Haft · Answer

In order to prevent fraud - make sure you check all your claims and bills against the Medicare Summary Notices you receive and make sure the doctor or provider has not entered any additional services that you did not receive.

Answered by Gary Haft on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states

Answered by Gary Haft Medicare Insurance Agent

Bruce Resnick · Answer

Keep you Medicare ID private. Do not disclose it to anyone other than authorized medical providers, Do not respond to unsolicited "special offers" received by email or phone for things like back or knee braces.

Answered by Bruce Resnick on August 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Bruce Resnick Medicare Insurance Agent

Abigail Turner · Answer

No matter what plan you have, check your monthly statements/summaries to make sure there aren't any charges you don't recognize. This is a great first step, especially with Medicare Supplements where it's easier to miss things. Call Medicare to report any charges you know aren't yours for anything, whether a doctor visit you didn't have or a piece of medical equipment you didn't order or need.

Answered by Abigail Turner on November 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS, AR, AZ & 13 other states

Answered by Abigail Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Sonya Chandler · Answer

You can protect yourself from Medicare related scams by not giving out your Medicare information to people who call you on the phone, or by not responding to mail you receive from marketing companies.

Christopher Akers · Answer

Do not answer calls that you do not recognize.
Do not verify your Medicare ID number.
Do not verify your Social Security number.
Do not verify your address.
Do not verify your birthdate.
Do NOT say the word 'yes' on the phone.
Scammers can buy personal information and record you verifying or supplying the word 'yes' and then put that into a pre-recorded application.
Technology can be great, but caution and suspicion need to be greater.
Medicare, Medicaid, and your insurance provider will mail you any necessary documents... scammers will call you.

Tim J Harris · Answer

1) Medicare will never call you (unless you have an appointment or a call back, that you initiated.)  If someone calls claiming they are with the government Medicare, HANG UP!  If you are concerned that Medicare may really need to talk to you, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask about it.

2) HANG UP!  Any licensed agent who calls you to talk about Medicare must have your permission.  So, if someone calls trying to sell Medicare or asking for personal information, and you don't know them, they obviously don't have permission to call you.  So HANG UP!  Don't say anything, remember anything you say, they can record and twist around to use to defraud you.  Don't give them anything, not even a hello.  HANG UP!

Know your local agent.  Your local licensed Medicare insurance agent is the only person you should give your Medicare number and discuss your Medicare plans with.  Find an agent you like and trust and stay with them.

Tanisha Coffey · Answer

Unfortunately, Medicare Fraud is real and you do have to be careful. 

The first way to protect yourself is to protect your Medicare Beneficiary ID number / your Medicare card. Treat it with the same protection as you would your social security number. It is needed for someone to assist you with health, financial assistance and Medicare-related needs but be sure you trust who you're providing the information to. 

The second way to protect yourself is to not accept or give information to people who call you asking about or wanting to tell you about Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage or "Medicare programs." While all of those things do exist, if you need help, it's better that you make the call to CMS, go to Medicare.gov or connect with a licensed health / Medicare broker. This way, you KNOW who you're contacting and can vet them before interacting with them. Now, the exception is if you attend an event or submit a request to a specific broker to assist you. If you do that, you're giving them permission to contact you. Keep a note of anyone you complete a permission to contact form with so you'll know it's safe to speak with them.

The third way to protect yourself is to attend Medicare events--general education or events that talk about specific plans in your area. Generally, you'll get qualify information and can make well-informed decisions from there...or at least narrow down what you may want to do or gain a better understanding of options in general.

Finally, work with a health / Medicare broker. Agents typically work for a single company; brokers represent many. As such, most will be able to give you the pros and cons on any option you're considering. They can become your go-to person year after year so you'll have someone who knows you, your needs and can help you choose what's best based on your financial and medical needs each year. If you have more questions, give us a call. We'll do our best to answer.

Paul Mercier · Answer

Most of the times that I hear Medicare Fraud it pertains to comsumers putting in a fraudulent claim. However there have been time when someone passing themselves off as working for Mediacre to obtain someones information. The best way to prevent this from happening is to never ever give you personal information such as credit cards, checking/savings account over the phone,text or email unless you know for sure who is at the other end. Also, get the person who is asking the questions information, is he or she licensed and certified. Medicare does not have any agents that will call you or visit with you, that is why there are licensed, certified agents,

Answered by Paul Mercier on October 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, NH & RI

Answered by Paul Mercier Medicare Insurance Agent

Robin Earley · Answer

Always be careful when you share personal information details to someone that you do not know. Always review your statements and check for erroneous charges or services.
Be cautious of free gifts in exchange for your Medicare number. When you receive services, check your charges and keep your receipts. Log dates and times services were received. Keep your Medicare card in a safe location and always be wary of unsolicited calls seeking your personal information or Medicare number.
Avoid clicking on links that “pop-up” even if they have the word “Medicare” in them. 
Avoid deceptive “door to door” solicitation.  
Do not be afraid of intimidation tactics, hang up or do not answer!

Lara Goulson · Answer

You should always make sure to protect your Medicare number like it’s a credit card. Don’t give it out to anyone unless you know they’re a trusted doctor or insurance company. You should also check your Medicare statements regularly to make sure the charges look right, and if you see anything strange, report it right away. If something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Answered by Lara Goulson on August 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Lara Goulson Medicare Insurance Agent

Bonnie Beliveau · Answer

To protect yourself from scams related to Medicare, do not answer your phone if you don't know the phone #. Let it go to voicemail and only call back if it is someone you know and trust. Do not respond to texts either if you don't know the individual. Guard your MBI as you would your SSN - only give it out to individuals you know and trust. Do not click on ads on the Internet - you will be bombarded with calls, texts and emails, many of which are scams. Do not use the word "yes" on a phone call with an individual you do not know - they take that "yes" and move it in the recording and the next thing you know your plan has been switched to a plan that doesn't have your providers in network and doesn't cover all your medications.

Answered by Bonnie Beliveau on March 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, PA, SC & TN

Answered by Bonnie Beliveau Medicare Insurance Agent

Britania James · Answer

1. Only share personal information with your trusted agent or broker.
2. Never share personal information with solicitors who contact you by phone or email, especially those that claim to be from Social Security. Social Security will only contact you via postal mail.
3. Safeguard your Medicare number. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except your doctor's office or authorized Medicare agent.
4. Stay away from "free" perks and services in exchange for your personal information. 

*personal information includes your Social Security number, Medicare number, date of birth, financial information, name, address

Laverne Ward · Answer

Protect Your Medicare Number
Treat your Medicare card and number like a credit card.

Never give your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or door-to-door.  (If you didn’t request anyone to call you or come to your home and you don’t know them, it doesn’t matter what they say, hang up, delete email, and or close your door.)

Medicare will never call or visit to sell you anything or ask for payment.

George Barkley · Answer

One important step is to never work with an agent that contacted you over the phone where you did not get in touch with them first. It is against the law for agents to 'cold call' Medicare beneficiaries. If you receive something in the mail or an email from an agent, be diligent about researching their background. The best agents can easily be found online so you can see who they are, where they are located, and most likely reviews from other customers. Finally, the best way, is that once you find an agent that you enjoy working, keep them! Agents want to protect their customers from fraud as much as customers want to protect themselves. Stick with your trusted agent and they'll keep you safe and happy.

Answered by George Barkley on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & NC, SC, TN & TX

Answered by George Barkley Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn Hapke · Answer

Medicare will never call you on the phone, they will always mail you a correspondence to your mailing address.  If you have concerns, you may call 1-800-MED-ICAR or go on Medicare.gov for information.

David Perkins · Answer

The best thing to do is call & schedule an appointment with me at my office. You can find contact info by searching for united seniors insurance agency.

I've heard about Medicare fraud. What steps can I take to protect myself from scams related to Medicare?

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