Unsolicited calls asking for your Medicare Number
Medicare will not call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare Number, bank details or Social Security number. Hang up and call the official number on the back of your card if you are unsure.
Fraud & Scam Watch
Protect your Medicare Number
Medicare fraud usually starts with a friendly phone call. Knowing the patterns is most of the protection.
Patterns to know
Five things scammers try
"Your new Medicare card is ready" texts and emails
Medicare does not charge for a card and does not text or email asking you to confirm details to release one. Do not click links in those messages.
Free braces, testing kits or genetic screening offers
Offers of free medical equipment or screening in exchange for your Medicare Number are a common fraud pattern. The equipment is billed to Medicare whether or not you need it.
High-pressure enrollment calls
A legitimate licensed agent will give you time, put things in writing, and never demand a same-call decision. Pressure is a warning sign, not urgency.
Charges you do not recognize
Read your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. Report services you did not receive through the official fraud reporting channel.
How to protect yourself
Six habits that stop most fraud
- Treat your Medicare Number like a credit card number.
- Never give it to someone who called, texted or emailed you first.
- Medicare does not sell anything and does not charge for a card.
- Read every Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits you receive.
- Write down the date, number and what was said if you get a suspicious call.
- When in doubt, hang up and call the official number on the back of your card.
Report a concern
Suspected Medicare fraud or abuse is reported through the official government channel. If something felt wrong on a call about your Medicare, report it — you do not need to be certain first.
Gilbert Services Southwest is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.