Medicare card expired or needs verification call
During and around Medicare open enrollment, scammers call and say your Medicare card has expired, is lost, or needs to be verified. Medicare will not call first to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or a payment.
How it works
The caller often uses a local-looking number and a polished script. They say your card has expired, your benefits will be canceled, or you must confirm your account. They ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth. With that information, they can bill Medicare for services or supplies you never received. Some also offer 'free' help, screenings, or gifts in exchange for your information. Official Medicare contact usually arrives by mail, and CMS will not call or send someone to your home to collect your number.
Red flags
- An unexpected call, text, home visit, or postcard claims to be from Medicare.
- The person asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details.
- They offer a free gift, test, or screening in exchange for your information.
- They say you must join a drug plan or you will lose Medicare coverage.
What to do
- Hang up. Do not share your Medicare number or make a payment.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself to check any claim.
- Report the contact at reportfraud.ftc.gov and, if it involves Medicare, also to 1-800-MEDICARE or your state Senior Medicare Patrol.
- Review your Medicare statements for charges you do not recognize.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.