Medicare scams grow every year, and in 2026 they are more sophisticated than ever. Scammers call, text and email pretending to be Medicare to steal your number and your money. The good news: a few clear rules can keep you safe. This guide explains the most common scams, the warning signs and exactly what to do if you already shared your information.
The most common Medicare scams
Scams change shape, but almost all of them want the same thing: your Medicare number, your Social Security number or access to your bank account. Here are the three most common ones in 2026.
Calls that ask for your Medicare number
Someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, “the card office” or a health plan. They ask you to “verify” your Medicare number before they send you something or “activate” a benefit. Medicare almost never calls you out of the blue, and it never asks for your number on a call you did not start.
“Free plan” offers and giveaways
Ads and calls promise “completely free” plans, cards loaded with money, free groceries or Part B refunds. They pressure you to “sign up today” and, along the way, ask for your information. Many of these offers are bait to steal your data or switch your plan without your permission.
The “new card” trick
They tell you Medicare is sending a new plastic card with a chip or “new security features,” and that they need to confirm your identity to mail it. In 2026 Medicare is not replacing everyone’s card. You only get a new card if you asked for one or if there was fraud in your name.
Warning signs
Be suspicious and hang up if a call, text or email shows any of these signs:
- They pressure you to act “right now” or lose the benefit.
- They ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank number over the phone.
- They promise something free in exchange for your information.
- They ask for payment with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
- The caller ID looks “official,” but the person cannot confirm your information unless you give it first.
- You get a call you did not request claiming to be from Medicare.
Golden rules to protect yourself
Keep these rules and share them with your family. They will save you a lot of trouble.
- Treat your Medicare number like your credit card. Do not give it over the phone if you did not start the call.
- Medicare does not call you unsolicited to ask for your number. If you did not place the call, it is not Medicare.
- Never share your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details with someone who contacts you out of the blue.
- Hang up on any pressure. A real offer does not expire in five minutes.
- Check your notices. Compare your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) with the services you actually received and report anything strange.
The government sums it up this way in its official guide: if you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare number, do not share it. You can read the tips directly on Medicare.gov.
What to do if you already gave your information
If you shared your Medicare number or bank details, act fast. It is not your fault, but it is time to move.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and report what happened. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
- Check your secure account at Medicare.gov and your MSN notices for charges you do not recognize.
- If you gave bank or card details, tell your bank right away.
- Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Watch your statements and notices over the following months.
How to report fraud and where to find trusted help
Reporting protects your community and helps stop scammers. You have free, official resources:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, to report fraud or suspicions.
- FTC: report scams and identity theft at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): free, one-on-one help to review charges and report fraud, at smpresource.org or 1-877-808-2468.
To make decisions about your coverage, look for help from people you trust. At the Enrollment Center we guide you at no cost and with no pressure. Talk to a trusted Medicare advisor and review your options calmly.
Want to understand your benefits better? It may help to read about the 2026 Medicare Advantage benefit cuts and about help paying for Medicare with Extra Help and Savings Programs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare call you on the phone?
Almost never out of the blue. Medicare does not call you unsolicited to ask for your number or your details. If you get a call you did not start asking for your Medicare number, treat it as a possible scam and hang up.
How do I know if it is a scam?
There are clear signs: they pressure you to act immediately, they ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank number, they promise something free in exchange for your data, or they ask for payment with gift cards or crypto. If you see any of these signs, give no information and hang up.
What do I do if I gave my Medicare number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048) and report what happened. Check your secure account at Medicare.gov and your MSN notices for strange charges, tell your bank if you shared financial details, and report the case at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Are the “new cards” real?
In 2026 Medicare is not sending new cards to everyone. You only get a replacement card if you asked for one or if there was fraud in your name. Anyone calling to say they need to “verify your identity” to mail you a new card is probably trying to scam you.
How do I report fraud?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report the scam and identity theft at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also get free help from the Senior Medicare Patrol at smpresource.org or 1-877-808-2468.
How do I find trusted, free help?
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) offers free, one-on-one help to review charges and report fraud. At the Enrollment Center we also guide you at no cost about your coverage, with no pressure and no obligation.
