What's a red flag in a phone call that it might be a Medicare scam targeting my personal info?

Answered by 62 licensed agents

If someone calls a beneficiary and wants to speak to him/her about Medicare they should ask them for their name, phone number and agency they work with and then tell them you will report them to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare beneficiaries cannot be called by anyone unless they have previously given that person their permission to be contacted.

Answered by Rene Casanova on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Rene Casanova Medicare Insurance Agent
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Red flags in a phone call that might be a Medicare scam targeting my personal information? Well, it's kind of tough when you're talking to somebody on the phone to know whether or not you're really talking to a licensed agent. I would highly recommend, depending on what state or the agent you're talking to, not to make a decision right at that moment. If you don't feel comfortable providing personal information, whether it's your name, date of birth, Social Security number, or your Medicare number, it's important to make sure that the agent you're speaking to is actually licensed as a Medicare agent and that you're getting the right questions.

If you have a concern about that, the best thing you can do is look up a local agent in your area. I highly recommend sitting down with a licensed agent in your area. Preferably, if you can, either meet that person in person or have a Zoom call so you can identify them. But again, it's about feeling within yourself whether or not who you're speaking to is legitimate. So, again, you can always check with the state that that agent is licensed in to make sure that he is who he says he is. Hopefully, that answers your question.

Answered by Gary Church on January 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent
You should not talk to anyone that called you without a request for them to do so. Anyone calling you with Medicare opportunities is either going to get you to switch or try to get your Medicare number in order to switch you without your knowledge. The only people who should call you are people that you specifically gave a "Permission to Contact" form to.

Medicare will not call you and ask for your number. If they need to get a hold of you, they will send you a letter.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on September 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent
They should be able to give you their license # and you could verify that # via the State Insurance Board. All agents must be licensed and registered. Even if they are out of state, they need to be licensed in their state.

If you feel comfortable enough, agree to do a Face to Face at a "safe space" - even a Starbucks! I personally will come to your home where you are most comfortable! You can also see if they will do a Zoom Call with you, but you'll want to be careful there as well. Try to stay in State and local if you have fears of trust of the person. This should be a person you rely on and trust more than your Homeowners and Auto agent!

Listen for them telling you their services are "free" and they just need to get your Medicare # for assisting you. If they seem secretive in revealing any history of their company or themselves, that is also a red flag. Can they tell you where they are located or calling from? How long have they been working with Seniors in your state and locale? Can they provide any reference letters that you could follow up on? Are they rated with AM Best, which is similar to the BBB for private industry? Ask them to send some information that you can then follow up on, and give them a call back.

In truth, there are many good companies out there, so if you do not feel comfortable with someone, let them go, and have no worries about it!

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent
Avoid the TV commercials. They are trying to drive people to that phone number. What they don’t tell you is that those commercials are for Medicaid and then since you won’t qualify, they try and sell you another type plan. Best to use an experienced agent and broker who can offer sound advice and help.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 29, 2025

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

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent
A couple of examples of scam calls might be if they ask you for your social security number or if they say they are from Medicare or social security. The best way to protect yourself is to never give out personal information on the phone until you have verified that the call is legitimate.

Answered by Pamela Masters on November 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent
Definitely a heavy accent is a red flag but also ANY mention of Medicare or Medical coverage, changes etc. Medicare will never call you.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on October 18, 2025

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

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent
If someone calls about Medicare and immediately asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking info before explaining who they are and what plan they represent — that’s a major warning sign it could be a scam.

Legitimate Medicare representatives or licensed agents will never pressure you on the spot or demand sensitive information upfront. If the caller is pushy, won’t give you a callback number, or says things like “act now or lose your benefits,” hang up and report it.

A good rule of thumb: If it feels rushed or secretive, it’s probably not legitimate.

Also, if they call and say they are from your health plan and have found a better plan for you… Hang up and call your agent or call your health plan member services line immediately.

Answered by Lauren Fodde on September 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO & FL

Answered by Lauren Fodde Medicare Insurance Agent
The major red flag is if the caller asks for your Medicare number fairly quickly into the call. The first questions should be about your doctors and prescriptions as well as questions about the coverage you are seeking. Working with a local broker in your community is always a great option.

Answered by Michael Andrews on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent
First off, unless they have prior permission to call you, they shouldn't be calling you! Unfortunately, there's lots of scam calls and unfortunately many originate from overseas - who ignore our National "Do Not Call" list. If you don't recall giving them permission and/or do not have a previous relationship with them - I might suggest you just hang up the phone. Its important to establish trust in any relationship before providing any personal information.

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI on August 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI Medicare Insurance Agent
The red flag is that called you period. Unless you filled out a reply card and mailed it back, that’s really the only way an agent is authorized to call you about Medicare. So if you did not give someone written authorization to contact you, they are not allowed to call or knock on your door. If someone does, I encourage you to ask for their NPN number and call Medicare and file a complaint. That is the only way the industry can stop dishonest agents from trying to scam you.

Try to find a local agent that is contracted with multiple carriers so that you can make sure you get a fair review of all your options, and that they explain it in detail.

If you don’t recognize the number don’t answer the phone. That’s the best advice I can give a Medicare beneficiary.

Answered by Lauryn Ivey on September 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL

Answered by Lauryn Ivey Medicare Insurance Agent
hat’s a smart question—and an important one. Scammers are getting more creative every year, especially when it comes to Medicare.

So what’s a red flag in a phone call that it might be a scam?

One of the biggest red flags is someone asking for your Medicare Number, Social Security Number, or banking information over the phone—especially if you didn’t call them.

For example, if someone says:

“We need your Medicare Number to issue a new card…”

“You’re eligible for free medical equipment—just confirm your Medicare details…”

“We’re from Medicare and need to verify your information…”

That’s a red flag.

Here’s why: Medicare will never call you out of the blue and ask for personal or financial information. Neither will legitimate insurance agents you haven’t contacted first.

A few other warning signs:

High-pressure tactics like “You must act now!”

Offers that sound too good to be true

Callers who won’t give a callback number or a mailing address

What can you do?

If something feels off, hang up and report the call to 1-800-MEDICARE or to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources:

Medicare.gov – Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams (2025)

Federal Trade Commission – Medicare Scam Alerts (2025)

You worked hard for your benefits—protecting them starts with staying alert. If you’re ever unsure about a call, I’m just a message away and happy to double-check it for you.

Answered by Edward Givens on July 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 12 other states

Answered by Edward Givens Medicare Insurance Agent
If a person calls and pretends to be a relative and wants personal information on one of our clients, we require a signed POA and to have the client on the phone to agree to let us share information.

Answered by Mark Sannes on March 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in WA, AK, AZ & 11 other states

Answered by Mark Sannes Medicare Insurance Agent
Typically, if someone is trying to scam an individual they lie and say that they are representing Medicare and begin to ask for personal information. This would include asking for a Medicare number, social security number or other sensitive information.

Answered by David Quintal on June 8, 2025

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

Answered by David Quintal Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare agents or brokers cannot contact you to solicit Medicare Advantage or Medicare Pharmacy (Part D) plans without your explicit prior consent. If the caller identifies themself as being from Medicare, or is requesting personal information like your Medicare number, Social Security number or banking information it's a scam. The first question you should ask them is what is your state insurance license number?

Answered by Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA on May 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID, NM, NV & TX

Answered by Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA Medicare Insurance Agent
One red flag would be asking for your Social Security number. Another would be asking for your banking information. That's why it's important to find an agent you can trust so they can guide you with finding a plan right for you.

Answered by Donna Lueders on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, LA, NC & SC

Answered by Donna Lueders Medicare Insurance Agent
If the person asks for your Medicare number or Social Security number right away. And then if they don't stop pushing for it.

Answered by Jeffrey Horn on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in IL, AZ, CO & 17 other states

Answered by Jeffrey Horn Medicare Insurance Agent
Anyone calling claiming to be from Medicare or Social Security and asking for personal info. Medicare will only contact you by phone if you have requested a call back.

Answered by Wade Lashley on July 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, IN & KY

Answered by Wade Lashley Medicare Insurance Agent
I would personally not ever talk to anyone calling you about Medicare. Lots of rules for agents talking to you. You have to contact an agent to talk to you, we can’t personally call you. It’s against CMS rules.

Answered by Alyssa Burgos on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ & TX

Answered by Alyssa Burgos Medicare Insurance Agent
A red flag in a Medicare scam call is when the caller pressures you for personal information like your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details over the phone, especially if they claim to be from Medicare or a related organization. Legitimate Medicare representatives will not call you unexpectedly and ask for this type of information. Other red flags include offers of free or discounted medical supplies or services in exchange for your information, or demands for immediate action or payment.

You should not have to divulge any personal information such as your Social Security #, Medicare # or bank information. Other red flags would include offering anything free or saying you need to apply now & they not allow you to call them back.

Answered by Misty Scaggs on July 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL & IL

Answered by Misty Scaggs Medicare Insurance Agent
Number One: if any money is involved? Number Two: if any personal information has been asked with this phone call? Number Three: if they might identify themselves as your bank? The odds are that you will receive only an email from your bank and it behooves you to call the bank back to confirm that you are really speaking to their employee? Number Four: if you think that you are speaking with a member of your family, DON’T believe that since “deep fakes” do involve Artificial Intelligence that mocks the voices of your own family members!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent
The biggest red flag is when the caller asks for your personal information. Legit Medicare reps will never call you unexpectedly and ask for your info, such as Medicare or Social Security number.

Scammers may:

1) pressure you to act right away

2) claim there are new or better benefits available then ask for your Medicare number

3) promise free or discounted services in exchange for your info

4) offer large refunds or rebates

I make it a point to tell my clients to be cautious when answering the phone, and if they do get a call about new benefits, they need to tell the caller, "I need to speak to my broker and confirm with them". Most of the time, the caller will either hang up or pressure them more but they call me and I can review what they were being told. Most of the time I have found the information they were given was inaccurate.

Answered by Diana Garner on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN

Answered by Diana Garner Medicare Insurance Agent
If you get a Cold Call, out of the blue, and they ask you for your Medicare number, this should be a Red Flag. If you provide your number, consider that your Advantage Plan will be changed. When you go to the Doctor in January, you may find they do not accept your Plan, and you may owe money; you might not owe if you had a correct Plan. These are usually Out of State call centers calling you. People selling Medicare need a signed (by you) Permission to Call form. If you call in, it is a different story.

Answered by Jim Tretola on November 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, CT & 6 other states

Answered by Jim Tretola Medicare Insurance Agent
For one thing, making unsolicited calls to a Medicare recipient is against the law. Per CMS regulations. And Ohio revised code 3901-8-09.

Answered by Michael Pyers on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent
For me, the biggest red flag is if the collar is asking you for your Medicare ID number or your date of birth early in the call. There is no reason for them to request that information until you are ready to make a decision and sign up for a plan. Providing that information too early in the call, gives the caller the opportunity to sign you up for a plan without your consent, and that can be a nightmare to have fixed.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on July 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent
Biggest red flag it might be a Medicare scam is that they called you!!! It is against Medicare policy to initiate a phone call to a Medicare Beneficiary to market a Medicare plan PERIOD!!! So if they call you HANG UP!! find a local agent who you can trust, ask your friends or even your Dr's office for referrals for an honest agent!!

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock Medicare Insurance Agent
When they ask for your Medicare number or to tell you they need to confirm your Medicare number but ask you to give it to them. When they tell you about big extra benefits you can get with nothing to back it up in regards to your health, medication or doctors.

Answered by Melanie Blackston on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, GA & NC

Answered by Melanie Blackston Medicare Insurance Agent
A key warning sign of a Medicare scam is an unexpected call asking for personal information, such as your Medicare or Social Security number.

Medicare will never contact you out of the blue to request this. Be cautious of offers for free or discounted medical supplies, services, or money in exchange for your information.

Scammers may also falsely claim you’re owed a refund or rebate to get your details.

If you have further questions or feel you are being scammed, please reach out to your local insurance agent. They can log into your account and see if there are any pressing issues with your current insurance.

Also, feel free to email us. We have combined 30 years in Medicare insurance experience, and we will be happy to talk with you.

Answered by Betty McCarty on April 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Betty McCarty Medicare Insurance Agent
very pushy salesperson who tells you all your medical providers are in network. That often takes research. Go with local agent or agency with a good reputation. Avoid national call centers although many are good and legitimate, but there are some bad actors.

Answered by David Haynes on September 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by David Haynes Medicare Insurance Agent
DO NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED MEDICARE PHONE CALLS, PERIOD. That is my best advice. I am on Medicare and I receive dozens of calls every day during AEP, so I understand the issue. If you need advice on Medicare, call a reputable agent or company so that you know who is on the other end of the conversation. Oh, and do not reply to an unsolicited phone number because that might be a scammer.

Answered by Donald Elliott on December 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, GA & MS

Answered by Donald Elliott Medicare Insurance Agent
Unexpected call from person(s) claiming to represent Medicare and then asking for personal information: Social Security, Medicare ID#, etc. Threats that include loss of benefits. Offers of free services or items: walkers, debit cards, food, etc. Often pressure tactics are used.

Answered by Nancy Courser on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in MI, FL & TN

Answered by Nancy Courser Medicare Insurance Agent
Scam caller will often ask you to provide or confirm personal information, including your Medicare number, Social Security number, or other sensitive details. Medicare will never call you to ask you those questions.

Answered by Hugo Luis Mion on January 4, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Hugo Luis Mion Medicare Insurance Agent
I

If the caller asks for your Medicare ID NEVER give this Information over the phone to anyone you don't know

Answered by Sheila Dow on July 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in CT

Answered by Sheila Dow Medicare Insurance Agent
ANY unsolicited phone call is a red flag. It is a violation of Medicare marketing rules. Ultimately if you elect to sign up for a plan, you will have to disclose personal info. Do you want that info with someone who doesn't follow the rules?

Answered by Frank Adkisson on January 2, 2026

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

Answered by Frank Adkisson Medicare Insurance Agent
A red flag in a phone call that might be a Medicare scam targeting personal information is you never initiated the call. The caller may be requesting sensitive non public information about your identity and have created some form of urgency in the conversation for you to provide the information.

Answered by Lavina Woart on April 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DE & FL, IA, NJ & PA

Answered by Lavina Woart Medicare Insurance Agent
A major red flag in a phone call potentially targeting your personal information, especially if it claims to be from Medicare, is when the caller asks for your Medicare number or any other personal information. Legitimate Medicare representatives will never initiate calls to ask for this information.

Here's why this is a red flag:

Medicare will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. The Medicare Family says

Scammers often use this tactic to gather information for fraud or identity theft. Bitdefender says

The call might be part of a "new Medicare card" scam, where scammers claim your current card is invalid and pressure you to provide details for a new one.

In addition to requesting personal information, other red flags include:

Pressuring you to act quickly or immediately.

Offering unsolicited services or benefits that sound too good to be true.

Threatening to cancel your Medicare benefits if you don't provide information.

Claiming there's a pending refund or rebate that requires your Medicare number.

If you receive such a call, hang up and verify the caller's identity with Medicare or a trusted source.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent
Never give out your Medicare ID number and your dates

The only time you ever need to provide that information is if you are at your doctor's office or you're getting something done at a hospital or you're buying Medicare related insurance

Initially to get a quote even with insurance as an agent I only ask for the A&b dates because I don't need the number until I actually enroll a person

So guard that one with your life. Scammers are trying to get that information so they can file false claims and get paid by Medicare

Answered by Gary Henderson on April 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent
First of all, it's a scam if you receive a call from any agent, other than your agent, attempting to talk with you about Advantage plans. According to CMS (Medicare) such a call is 100% illegal! Just hang up on such calls. Second, Medicare will never call you asking for your Medicare number. If Medicare wants to communicate, it will be by mail. Third, NEVER return those postcards claiming to come from Medicare, wanting to inform you about "updates" to your plan. There CANNOT be any updates or changes to your plan during the year! Returning such a postcard gives that agency (not Medicare, if you look at the return address!) permission to call you. Call your agent if you have any questions about a suspicious call.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on August 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent
Anyone except your insurance agent or Drs office should not get any of your Medicare information. If they do report them to Medicare.

Answered by Mike Henry on June 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Mike Henry Medicare Insurance Agent
Answering phone calls from telemarketers who call constantly can be a little scary.

It is recommended that if you didn't ask for the call or didn't give permission to call, it is best to disconnect.

Medicare will not call you; instead, they will mail any correspondence relevant to your account.

Do not give out your Medicare number over the phone unless you are sure about the company or agent that you are speaking with.

Answered by Deborah Webster on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare will never call you in the phone unless you have made an appointment, even then most appointments are in person in the office. If you get an unexpected call from Social security, Medicare or your Medicare company always treat it as a scam. Do not provide any information (DOB, SS, MBI) over the phone.

Answered by Eizel Mere on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent
It’s always best to check a agents national producer number also known as NPN to verify they are real

Answered by Antonio Rodriguez on December 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR

Answered by Antonio Rodriguez Medicare Insurance Agent
If they ask for your medicare number or social security number. Medicare will not call you, they use the mail and/or email if thats what you signed up for.

Answered by Joseph Peck on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN

Answered by Joseph Peck Medicare Insurance Agent
If they sound like they are from India, it's a scam! If they only offer you one carrier, I would not go with that agent.

Answered by Michael Kim on July 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Michael Kim Medicare Insurance Agent
Brokers and agencies are not allowed to call you concerning Medicare plans unless you have given them permission to do so ahead of time. So if it is a call TO you, be very suspicious. And NEVER provided any personal info over the phone unless you know who you are giving it to.

Answered by Don Hansford on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Don Hansford Medicare Insurance Agent
Unfortunately seniors get bombarded with Medicare calls all day long. Some are legit but many are scams. First of all, I never recommend signing up for Medicare over the phone. Most legitimate calls come from an agent that only works for one company. In addition, usually are calling from another state that you don't even reside in. Often when you set up a plan over the phone the agent doesn't even include your primary doctor on your plan and since the agent is out of state, they don't know all the best plans in your zip code.

Scams are very prevalent. Some of the major things to watch out for. When you first pick up the phone, often there will be a short pause, then you will hear a little blip sound. After the blip, usually there is a guy with an Indian accent that answers with a name like Sam or Mike. From there they start blabbing about all of these benefits that usually you don't qualify for. The next step, they ask you to pull out your Medicare or you red, white and blue card. If you have a card that is older than 5-6 years old, then your Medicare number is your social security number. The guy on the phone will ask you to verify your Medicare number, date of birth and sometimes your address. Now they have enough information to pull a scam. Be careful out there folks.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent
Thanks for your question.!

I would say if you receive a phone call and that Kaller asked for your Medicare number Social Security number or banking info within the first five minutes of the phone call that’s a red flag for me. I recommend looking for a local broker and you reach out to them directly. That way you know you’re dealing with a professional licensed individual that can help you with your Medicare..

Most beneficiaries don’t realize Medicare brokers offer advice, guidance, and expertise to simplify Medicare at no cost to you.

Answered by Toni Chavez on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT

Answered by Toni Chavez Medicare Insurance Agent
If they ask for your Medicare number then hang up. By giving someone your medicare number they might change your plan without your permission. No one is allowed to call you about medicare unless you gave them permission by filing out info and requesting they contact you.

Answered by John Motsinger on October 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY, CO, FL & 9 other states

Answered by John Motsinger Medicare Insurance Agent
If they are asking for your social security number and or Medicare number. They will also press you to make a decision so you will give them all your information including bank info.

Answered by James Wareheim on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, NV & SC

Answered by James Wareheim Medicare Insurance Agent
Best red flag would be if they asked for your Social Security number. All that is needed to complete a Medicare enrollment is your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number with effective dates, and your date of birth

Answered by Bruce Resnick on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Bruce Resnick Medicare Insurance Agent
A major red flag is any caller asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information out of the blue. Legitimate Medicare and real plans never call you first to request personal data.

Answered by Jose Felix Arevalo on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Jose Felix Arevalo Medicare Insurance Agent
The latest scam that a client experienced is caller id said CMS Medicare, voice mail left. Watch for another call coming from the same caller id and message left is the same. This is a scam. They purchase a block of phone numbers and choose what they want the caller id to show. They do this in an attempt to confuse you I. Hoped of you answering the phone.

Answered by Donald Baker on December 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN

Answered by Donald Baker Medicare Insurance Agent
A big red flag is when someone asks for your personal info out of nowhere.

• If a caller asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank info, or credit card, that is a warning sign.

• If they say you must “act now” or you will lose your benefits, that is a scare tactic.

• If they say they are “from Medicare” and try to sign you up for a plan, that is a scam. Medicare does not call people to sell plans.

• If the caller refuses to tell you the company name, hang up.

• If the caller gets angry or pushy when you ask questions, that is another warning sign.

• If the call sounds too good to be true, like offering gifts or money for signing up, it is not real.

A safe rule is simple. If the call feels strange or makes you uncomfortable, hang up and call your trusted agent instead.

Every licensed Medicare agent has an NPN number.

• You can look up that number on the NIPR website (see below) to make sure they are licensed in your state.

• A real agent will give it to you without hesitation.

• A scammer will avoid the question or hang up.

If you ever feel unsure, ask for the NPN, check it on NIPR, and call your trusted agent before giving any personal info.

Answered by Randy Hill on December 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Randy Hill Medicare Insurance Agent
Many times it is asking for personal info over the phone with no conversation on plans or companies. Being rushed through a phone call can also be a red flag. Someone saying it will take 15 minutes and really does not good.

Answered by Philip Santucci on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by Philip Santucci Medicare Insurance Agent
Just the fact that they are calling you. Medicare never calls you to enroll you in an advantage plan or a supplement.

Answered by Lakisha Bryant on August 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA, MI & TX

Answered by Lakisha Bryant Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare agents are not permitted to Cold Call potential clients. If you have not requested an agent to contact you, it is probably a scam or phishing call. Also, no valid agent will ask for your Social Security number or other personal information, or offer any kind of gift for signing up. Never speak to an agent you have not asked for help, so that you know they have legally contact you.

Answered by Lesley Paul on December 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Lesley Paul Medicare Insurance Agent
If a caller insists that you change your current coverage. offers you free services or rewards for your coverage changes, as well as threats to cancel your coverage for any reason, these are signals that your potentially targeted by a Scammer. Beware of callers requiring you to order a new Card. This is a way criminals try to get your personal information for Identity Theft.

Answered by Robin Earley on July 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL

Answered by Robin Earley Medicare Insurance Agent
Asking for a Social Security number, Medicare ID number or other personal information. Also if it is an unsolicited phone call, or if the mandatory call recording disclaimer is not read to the beneficiary.

Answered by Steven Rukhman on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NM, NV, OR & TX

Answered by Steven Rukhman Medicare Insurance Agent
If they ask if you received your new medicare card. Do not give out the number. Medicare does not call you unless you ask for a return call.

Answered by Debra Weber on April 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Debra Weber Medicare Insurance Agent
Every Sunday, we have lunch at my grandparents' house, and they often share stories about the phone calls they've received that week regarding Medicare. Some of them are absolutely absurd!

Most recently, my grandfather mentioned that he received a call from someone who insisted that his Medicare red, white, and blue card was expiring. They asked him for the card number so they could send a new one. The caller also claimed they worked for the federal government. Be cautious of these types of calls!

Answered by Dalton Johnson on May 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC

Answered by Dalton Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent
Be aware if someone claims they are from Medicare and wants information such a your Medicare number, banking information or Social Security information, it's a red flag! Medicare will never ask for that information over the phone, pressure you to act immediately or claim they need to update your Medicare card.

Answered by Kirsten Love on July 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in MT

Answered by Kirsten Love Medicare Insurance Agent
If someone asks for personal information, such as your social security number, or Medicare number,

That would be a Red Flag!

Answered by Beth Duncan on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC & GA

Answered by Beth Duncan Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Advice for Seniors

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