How to Spot Medicare and Health Insurance Scam Calls

What this helps with: Knowing what real Medicare will and won’t do, so you can hang up on fake callers, texts, and ads with confidence.

Scams go up during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7). This guide is about staying safe. It doesn’t tell you which plan to choose.

What real Medicare won’t do

• Medicare won’t call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details.
• Medicare won’t call to sell you anything, or come to your home.
• Your Medicare card is free. No one should charge you for a “new card.”
• Caller ID can be faked. A call can say “Medicare” and still be a scam.

If someone calls about Medicare

1. Don’t share your Medicare number or any personal details. Real Medicare already has them.
2. Hang up.
   • What you’ll tap: The red End button. It’s okay to hang up on anyone.
3. Call Medicare yourself at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048. Use this number, not one the caller gives you.
4. Report it. Tell Medicare when you call, or report it online at Medicare.gov.

Searching for plans online

• Type the address yourself: Medicare.gov for Medicare, or HealthCare.gov for other health plans.
• Skip the ads. Search results marked Ad or Sponsored can be paid for by anyone, including scammers.
• Look for .gov at the end of the website name.
• Want free help comparing plans? Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased advice. Medicare.gov can help you find yours.

If something goes wrong

• I gave my Medicare number to a caller. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and tell them. Check your Medicare statements for services you didn’t get.
• I see a charge I don’t recognize. Call your doctor’s office first. If it still looks wrong, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
• I was charged money or gave bank details. Call your bank right away. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• It’s not your fault. Scammers fool careful people every day. Telling a family member can help.

More warning signs are in our guide to spotting a scam.

Official sources

• Medicare: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
• Medicare: Your Medicare card
• FTC: What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams
• FTC: Report fraud

Last checked: Oct 19, 2026

This is general help, not legal, financial, or medical advice. Medicare rules and phone numbers are for the United States. For plan questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE or your local SHIP.