Loading...
Loading...
Scammers impersonate Medicare representatives or insurance agents during annual enrollment periods, claiming coverage is expiring or that new benefits are available. They steal Medicare IDs for identity theft, or 'slam' victims into alternative plans without informed consent, generating fraudulent commissions. During 2024 alone, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services received 183,553 unauthorized enrollment complaints.
Annual Losses
$789 million in government imposter fraud (2024 FTC data); Medicare-specific portion not separately reported
Avg Loss / Victim
Not separately reported; varies by fraud method (identity theft vs. enrollment switching)
Primary Vector
Unsolicited phone calls
Peak Season
Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 - Mar 31)
Scammers initiate unsolicited phone calls to Medicare beneficiaries, impersonating CMS representatives, insurance agents, or government health officials. They claim the victim's Medicare plan is expiring, will be cancelled, or that they're ineligible for current benefits, creating false urgency. The goal is one of two outcomes: (1) to extract personal information (Medicare ID, SSN, date of birth) for identity theft and medical billing fraud, or (2) to 'slam' the victim into a different Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) without informed consent, allowing the scammer's organization to collect commissions. The CMS received 183,553 complaints about unauthorized plan changes in just eight months of 2024, indicating the scale of this problem. Victims may not realize they've been switched until they attempt to use their original plan.
Hover or tap the highlighted text to see why each element is a red flag.
This is Medicare callingRed flag: Medicare (CMS) does not initiate unsolicited outbound calls. This is impersonation. about important changes to your plan. Your current benefits are changing on January 1st. Press 1 to speak to an agent who can help you find a new plan.
Voicemail: Your Medicare benefits expire this monthRed flag: False urgency. Medicare benefits don't expire monthly and CMS notifies in writing, not voicemail.. Call back immediatelyRed flag: Pressure and artificial urgency prevent victims from verifying the call's legitimacy at 1-888-XXX-XXXX to avoid losing coverage. This is time-sensitive.
Text: Medicare Alert: You may qualify for $0 premium Part C benefitsRed flag: While some genuine plans offer low premiums, unsolicited texts claiming qualification are scams. Real plans found through Medicare.gov. — call now: 1-855-XXX-XXXX. Limited availabilityRed flag: Artificial scarcity pressures quick decisions without research or verification.
Unsolicited calls claiming to be 'from Medicare'
Medicare (CMS) does not make unsolicited calls. If you want Medicare info, you call them using the number on your Medicare card or Medicare.gov.
Pressure to enroll or switch plans immediately
Legitimate enrollment periods have deadlines, but there is no urgency within a given period. Real plans allow comparison shopping and considered decisions.
Requests for your Medicare number over the phone
Never provide your Medicare number to unsolicited callers. Legitimate servicers already have this information if you've called them.
Claims your coverage will be canceled or is expiring
Coverage changes come via official mail from CMS. Plans cannot be cancelled without formal written notice. This is a scare tactic.
Offers of 'free' medical equipment or genetic testing in exchange for Medicare ID
Scammers use fake medical equipment and testing offers to steal Medicare IDs for billing fraud. Real equipment requires a physician prescription.
Unsolicited caller selling specific insurance plans
While licensed agents can sell plans, they cannot call you without your prior consent. Unsolicited sales calls violate FTC telemarketing rules.
Real Medicare communications come via official mail from CMS, not phone calls. CMS does not make outbound calls about plan changes. If you call Medicare using the number on your Medicare card or from Medicare.gov (1-800-MEDICARE), a representative may discuss your options. Real Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan information is available at Medicare.gov with full plan details, costs, and coverage. Licensed insurance agents can discuss plans, but only if you initiated contact or gave prior written consent to be called.
Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or log into your online Medicare account at Medicare.gov. Your current plan information will be listed. If it differs from what you selected, contact CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE immediately to request reinstatement to your original plan.
Yes. If you discover an unauthorized enrollment, you have 60 days from the date you receive a confirmation letter to change plans. Contact CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE or the plan directly to request removal and reinstatement of your original coverage.
Licensed agents can help, but only if you initiate contact or have given prior written consent to be called. Verify the agent's license through your state's insurance commissioner. Always ask for written plan information and take time to review before making changes.
Real Medicare.gov has 'Medicare' in the official domain name and is a secure government site. Scam sites use similar names (like 'MedicarePlans.com' or 'BenefitsMedicare.com') but are not official. Always go directly to Medicare.gov by typing the URL yourself.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) using the number on your Medicare card. CMS can verify your current plan, explain your coverage, and help if you suspect fraud. Do not call numbers provided by unsolicited callers.
Paste it in and get an instant analysis — free, private, no account needed.
Analyze a Message