What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?

Question

Jackson Cassibry · Accepted Answer

Protect your information as there are many scams out there today, unfortunately.  Verify Brokers/Agents licensing on the particular state those agents/brokers are in

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Get help from a licensed agent and broker with time in grade, experience. You can ask people who have already gone on Medicare who they used or use Agents Hub to find us. I’m at www.medicareinsurance4all.com and in 13 states.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 21, 2025

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

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Work with an Agent who works for a Reputable Company like State Farm!  :) We help our clients every day-make the right decisions for them!

Tasha Riggs · Answer

Meet an agent at their office.   Look at their google reviews.  Get references. 
Do not work with a person who randomly calls you. No one is legally allowed to call you unless you give them your consent.

James Carlson · Answer

Deal with a qualified and verified agent like Medicare Hub agents.  Remind clients that at age 65 many companies will be trying to earn their business.  Be careful.

Frank Souk · Answer

Be careful when fielding phone calls from individuals trying to gather sensitive information form you such as your Medicare Number and Social Security number.

Teresa Cole · Answer

Be careful with who you are giving all your information to over the phone.  If you did not ask for a call be careful about giving all your information to a stranger.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

As a senior myself, I frankly don't answer my phone if it's an unrecognizable phone number since Medicare scams are more rampant on a phone call, along with the Internet. Remember that your bank will NEVER call you on the phone if you are ever scammed since they reach out to you via an email. Moreover, I'll also use my face as a means for ensuring that I am entering my commonly used websites perfectly. It's this double-verification process that will work every time. All you need to do is: A) using your phone's camera, shoot the online barcode to set up the process, B) hit the word “continue” and it automatically knows that it is you! Ergo: a new 2-step verification process and no scam!!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

I am very biased!!, if my clients receive a letter or a phone call that seems sketchy at all I strongly encourage them to call me, text me, or take a picture of the letter that they received and send it to me. If seniors don’t want to reach out to an agent, Then they should keep in mind that they can always contact Medicare or Social Security to verify any request for info.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

Deal with a trusted agent. Report unsolicited calls and enroll in do not call list. Lastly NEVER give out your information for any reason

Robert Helmkamp II · Answer

Most all Medicare-related scams are done through Email or Telephonically. If you receive a phone call or email from an unknown source and they state they are from Medicare, either stating new benefits you are eligible for or trying to discuss your current plan, ignore the calls or emails, do not respond to the emails or call back any numbers. Medicare will always reach out directly via mail if there is any issue with your Traditional Medicare. Unless the prospective Medicare client fills out a business reply card, requesting a broker or agent contact them, then any form of unsolicited contact with a Medicare Enrollee is deemed strictly illegal by the Center of Medicare Services. Never give out personal information like your Medicare ID or Medicare Plan ID Number unless you know this information will be given to a trusted source. While you may enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans Online, it is always highly suggested you speak with a licensed medicare agent or broker first.

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II Medicare Insurance Agent

Brenda Trejos · Answer

Unfortunately these scams are prevalent and getting worse!  Its advisable to be very careful when a person or phone # calls you that you are not familiar with.  Be cautious and NEVER give them any of your personal information.   I recommend calling your Agent/Broker or calling the Insurance Company directly from the # that you have, not one they give you.  Your Agent can help you and/or clarify information.  
One BIG scam is commercials or calls offering more benefits than you qualify for because you are not receiving aid, but they do not care nor explain this.

Harold Randolph · Answer

That’s easy!! 

1.) Educated yourself on all things Medicare and keep up with the constant changes and variations. 

2.) Get yourself a Broker who’s only loyalties lie to you.. the client. Not any corporation or business. A good, honest, trusted broker is invaluable.

Robert Rowe · Answer

The best way to protect yourself from Medicare related scams is a lot more simple than it seems. All you have to do is work closely with an in person Medicare broker that works in best interest. Once you have that anytime you get mail or calls or texts or anything related to Medicare you call or text him/her. Relationships with trustworthy people are how you avoid scams in the modern era.

Answered by Robert Rowe on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI

Answered by Robert Rowe Medicare Insurance Agent

Jamie Herrick · Answer

Another very good question.
Don’t answer the phone unless you know the number. If it’s legit, they will leave a message.
Never give your social security or banking information. And never send people money.

Darko Bozic · Answer

Find a local agent and meet face to face if you can. Seniors get bombarded with phone calls and there is sinply no way to know who's calling you. Never give out your personal information to unknown people calling you. There is no downside to talking to a local agent/broker and there are many upsides. It doesn't cost you anything and they will know your market better than someone calling from another state or country.

Answered by Darko Bozic on April 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Darko Bozic Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Stinson · Answer

I would suggest getting to know an authorized and licensed independent agent that you can call or text any time you need information or have a question.

Donald Heath · Answer

Have a trusted Medicare professional to call or go to the www.medicare.gov website to look up info. If you get an unsolicited call from someone wanting to talk to you about Medicare plans, ask them for their name and state ins License number. Since this is not allowed under Medicare rules, they will probably hang up real fast. The penalty for not having permission to call you could result in them losing their license.

Answered by Donald Heath on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & NM, NV, TX & WA

Answered by Donald Heath Medicare Insurance Agent

Brittany Garrison · Answer

The BEST way to protect yourself from Medicare Related scams in my opinion is to find a personal BROKER/AGENT to work with. Because unfortunately, these companies and call centers will continue to call and it really is often enticing and will have you questioning if you're truly getting all the best your plan or Medicare has to offer. I have found that my clients have a sense of peace in knowing that even IF it sounds good, that they have someone who can verify their benefits, whats available to them and if what they've been told is even legit. DO NOT get caught up in all the "potential benefits". It's typically just a plight to change your plan for them to receive a commission and you'll never hear from them again. Find a TRUSTED broker/agent that will call you before you call them throughout the year!

Answered by Brittany Garrison on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Brittany Garrison Medicare Insurance Agent

Roxanne Robertson · Answer

Work with a Independent Broker that represents multiple carriers that you trust.  Don't give anyone else your information such as DOB, Medicare number, etc.

What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website