Top 8 Medicare Scams in 2025
Medicare scammers use similar tactics, including false lab results and equipment ordering. 15% of Medicare scams to avoid involve false billing. The best way to prevent healthcare fraud is to frequently check your Medicare account and avoid giving personal information to unsolicited phone calls or emails.
Read more
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Insurance and Finance Writer
Karen Condor is an insurance and finance writer who has degrees in both journalism and communications. She began her career as a reporter covering local and state affairs. Her extensive experience includes management positions in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and online marketing content. She has utilized her research, writing, and communications talents in the areas of human resources, f...
Karen Condor
Senior Director of Content
Sara Routhier, Senior Director of Content, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor, she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world of insurance....
Sara Routhier
Medicare Broker
Adam Lubenow is a partner in his family business, Senior Advisor, which specializes in bringing clarity to the Medicare enrollment process and coverage options to ensure that clients are making informed decisions. Senior Advisors is licensed to help clients in over 40 states and has offices in Arizona and New Jersey. Prior to joining the family business, Adam spent his career with Verizon Busin...
Adam Lubenow
Updated October 2025
The top Medicare scams to avoid include scammers seeking your personal information, such as your Medicare or Social Security numbers.
- Common Medicare scams include high-pitched sales tactics
- Report potential scams to 1-800-Medicare as soon as possible
- Reduce your risks by always checking your Medicare statements
While there are several types of Medicare fraud, most have something in common — they want to collect your personal information or overcharge your Medicare account for services that you never received.
Read on to explore the most common Medicare scams to avoid and how to spot them. The best way to avoid Medicare fraud is to ignore phone calls and emails from solicitors.
8 Most Common Medicare Scams| Scam | Rank | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🦽 Equipment | #1 | Free braces or chairs; false Medicare billing |
| 🧬 Genetic Testing | #2 | Fake DNA/cancer tests; unnecessary billing |
| 💉 COVID/Vaccine | #3 | Fake test or vaccines; steal Medicare number |
| 🎭 Fake Reps | #4 | Imposters pose as Medicare reps for info |
| 💻 Telehealth | #5 | Fake providers bill for care never provided |
| 💊 Drug Scams | #6 | Fake Part D plans steal Medicare or bank info |
| 🕵️♂️ Identity Theft | #7 | Stolen Medicare numbers used for false billing |
| 🏠 Care Fraud | #8 | Fake nurses bill Medicare for care not provided |
Our expert guide to Medicare can help you figure out everything you need to know about your healthcare coverage.
We have licensed insurance agents ready to answer your Medicare questions. Call (855) 634-0435 now for help.
Top Medicare Scams to Avoid
Medicare scams are an increasing issue, targeting seniors through phone calls, emails, and even door-to-door visits.
Even with a good understanding of Medicare basics, many people struggle to recognize Medicare fraud schemes before it’s too late.
Scammers often pose as legitimate providers or Medicare representatives to steal money, personal information, or benefits.
Knowing the most common scams can help you protect your health and your finances from Medicare scammers.
While there are many Medicare scams online, over the phone, and through the mail, most have the same aims.
We’ve listed the most common types of Medicare scams to watch for, so you can be prepared if you ever come across them.
#1: Free Medical Equipment
One of the most common Medicare scams offers “free” medical equipment such as braces, wheelchairs, or back supports.
Scammers claim your Medicare Part B benefits will cover the full cost, but they need your Medicare number to process the order.
Medicare only covers durable medical equipment prescribed by your doctor and provided through an approved supplier.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
Once they have your information, they may bill Medicare for expensive equipment you never received or charge you for items you never ordered.
Although this type of scam is most often done over the phone, it’s also commonly used in Medicare scams by mail.
#2: Genetic Testing
You may receive calls or letters offering free DNA or cancer screening tests. Scammers claim these tests can detect diseases early and that Medicare Part A will pay for them.
In reality, most of these offers are fake. Scammers use them to collect personal data or send false claims to Medicare under your name. You should only take genetic or diagnostic tests ordered by your physician and performed by a trusted lab.
#3: COVID-19 Tests and Vaccines
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters have taken advantage of confusion around testing and vaccination. They might offer home COVID-19 tests, vaccines, or “priority” vaccine appointments in exchange for your Medicare number or a fee.
Medicare covers approved COVID-19 tests and vaccines at no cost when obtained through authorized providers. If someone asks for payment or personal information, it’s a scam to get access to your Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D benefits.
#4: Fake Medicare Representatives
Scammers often pose as Medicare agents calling to “verify” your coverage, teach you how to sign up for Medicare, or issue a new card.
They may also claim you need to pay a fee for an updated Medicare ID or to reactivate your account.
This is one of the most common Medicare scams by phone, and you may get multiple calls from different numbers.
Know that a Medicare agent will never call or visit you uninvited to ask for personal details or payments.
Hang up immediately and contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm any official communications.
#5: Telehealth Bills
Telehealth became popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, and so did telehealth fraud. Medicare scammers may bill you for telehealth visits that never happened or trick you into participating in unnecessary appointments just to charge the program.
Keep track of your telehealth appointments and check your Medicare Summary Notice for any services you don’t recognize. This is good advice for any health insurance plan. Check our complete healthcare guide for more information.
#6: Prescription Drug Scams
Fraudsters might advertise cheap prescription drugs or online pharmacies that don’t require a prescription to get access to your Medicare Part D information.
These sites can steal your information or send counterfeit medications. Others may offer “discounts” that require you to share your Medicare or Social Security number.
To avoid these scams, you should only use licensed pharmacies and trusted Medicare-approved drug plans. Never buy prescriptions from unsolicited offers.
Enticing people with cheap prescription drugs is one of the most common online Medicare scams, so make sure to speak with your doctor before trying to purchase a new medication.
#7: Identity Theft
Some scammers target seniors simply to steal their Medicare numbers or Social Security information. Once they have it, they can file false claims, open credit accounts, or sell your identity on the black market.
While this type of Medicare fraud happens through phone calls and physical mail, it’s one of the more common types of email Medicare scams.
Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Keep it safe and never share your number unless you initiated the contact.
Melanie Musson Published Insurance Expert
Scammers often target Medicare members during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare, where people may be confused about how to sign up.
If you need help, genuine Medicare representatives are available. Call (855) 634-0435 to speak to someone now.
#8: Home Care Fraud
Fraudulent home health agencies may offer in-home care or therapy you don’t need, then bill your Medicare coverage for fake services.
In some cases, dishonest providers may even convince you to sign blank forms that they later use to falsify claims. Make sure to only accept home care services ordered by your doctor and from agencies certified by Medicare.
Free Medicare Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes from Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How to Spot a Medicare Scam
Medicare scams can be surprisingly convincing, often disguised as legitimate calls, emails, or mail from trusted sources. One of the biggest red flags is unsolicited contact.
If someone claims to be from Medicare or a healthcare provider and asks for personal information, it is most likely a scam. However, there are some more key signs to look out for.
Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam| ⚠️ Sign | ❓ What It Means |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Calls asking for Medicare or SSN | Identity theft attempt |
| ❌ Bills for services you didn’t receive | Phantom billing scam |
| ⏰ Pressure to act immediately | High-pressure sales scam |
| 🎁 “Too good to be true” offers | Free equipment services fraud |
| 📧 Emails/texts with links | Phishing attempt to steal data |
Scammers may say you need to “verify” your identity, confirm coverage, or pay for a new Medicare card. Other warning signs include offers that seem too good to be true, like free medical equipment, genetic tests, or special Medicare savings programs.
You should also be cautious if you notice unfamiliar charges or services on your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. Fraudsters may bill Medicare for services or equipment you never received.
How Medicare Scammers Contact People| Contact Method | Scam Example |
|---|---|
| 📞 Phone Call | Fake Medicare calls asking for your info |
| 📧 Email Scam | Phishing emails with logos asking for info |
| 💬 Text Message | Text links to fake sites for Medicare info |
| 🚪 Home Visit | Scammers offer tests for Medicare info |
| 📬 Mail Scam | Fake bills or notices that appear official |
High-pressure tactics, threats of losing coverage, or promises of faster service for a fee are also strong indicators of a scam.
If something feels off, whether it’s a suspicious email, a pushy salesperson, or a charge you don’t recognize, it’s best to pause and verify the information directly with Medicare before taking any action.
How to Report Medicare Scams
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam or notice suspicious charges on your account, it’s important to report it right away.
You can learn more about the various places to report in our Medicare guide, but the list below covers most bases:
How to Report Medicare Scams| Who to Contact | How to Reach |
|---|---|
| Licensed Medicare Agent | Call (855) 634-0435 for help |
| Senior Medicare Patrol | Local SMP office (fraud help) |
| Federal Trade Commission | (877) FTC-HELP or FTC website |
| State Attorney General | Contact office (varies by state) |
| Inspector General (OIG) | (800) HHS-TIPS or OIG website |
When filing a report, gather as much information as possible. Get the caller’s name or phone number, the date and time of contact, and any suspicious billing details.
Keep copies of your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), statements, or emails that may serve as evidence. Reporting scams not only helps protect your own benefits but also assists authorities in preventing others from becoming victims.
How to Avoid Medicare Scams
The best defense against Medicare scams is staying informed and cautious with your personal information.
Never share your Medicare or Social Security number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or door-to-door visit.
Medicare will never call to ask for personal details or payments, so treat any such request as suspicious. It’s also wise to regularly review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to make sure the services and charges listed are accurate.
If you spot something you don’t recognize or that seems suspicious, call 1-800-MEDICARE and report it immediately.
Tips to Avoid Medicare Scams| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Protect your Medicare number | Share your Medicare or SSN |
| Review your Medicare notices | Share your info for “free” offers |
| Call (855) 634-0435 to confirm | Pay for a Medicare card (it’s free!) |
| Report suspicious calls or mail | Trust caller ID (this can be faked) |
Always use trusted doctors, pharmacies, and medical equipment suppliers, and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts about Medicare coverage and eligibility.
When disposing of old statements or personal documents, shred them to prevent identity theft. Staying alert and verifying any unexpected offers or communications can help you protect your coverage and peace of mind.
Free Medicare Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes from Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Recovering From Medicare Scams
If you discover that you’ve fallen victim to a Medicare scam, it’s important to act quickly to limit any potential damage.
Start by contacting Medicare to report the fraud and request a new Medicare card with a different number. If you have Medicare Part C, you should also contact your insurance provider if you experience Medicare Advantage scams.
If your personal or financial information has been stolen, consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to help protect your identity.
Travis Thompson Licensed Insurance Agent
Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) carefully and flag any charges or services you don’t recognize. You should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through reportfraud.ftc.gov to document the scam and receive personalized recovery steps.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program can also be an invaluable resource, offering free one-on-one assistance to help you resolve billing issues, understand your benefits, and prevent future scams.
Read More: What is Medicare Advantage?
Learn the Top Medicare Scams to Avoid
Navigating Medicare can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Always rely on trusted sources such as Medicare.gov, licensed insurance agents, or verified senior advocacy organizations for accurate information.
Staying alert and informed is the best way to protect your benefits. Whether you have Medicare Advantage vs. original Medicare, finding help is simple.
If you want to compare the cost of your Medicare coverage to other plans, speaking with a licensed insurance agent can help.
We have licensed agents ready to speak with you. Call (855) 634-0435 to get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medicare scam?
A Medicare scam is a fraudulent attempt to steal your personal information, Medicare number, or money by pretending to be a legitimate representative or provider. Scammers often use phone calls, emails, or mail to trick you into giving out sensitive details or paying for fake services.
Does Medicare send mail?
Yes, Medicare does send official mail, such as Medicare Summary Notices, information about plan changes, and policy updates. However, official mail will always come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and will never ask for payment or personal details to keep your coverage active.
What is Medicaid?
It sounds similar to Medicare, but what is Medicaid? Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. It often works alongside Medicare to help cover costs like premiums, copayments, and services Medicare doesn’t fully pay for.
How do I stop a Medicare scam?
If you suspect a scam, contact Medicare right away to report it and review your account for suspicious charges. You should also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov and consider requesting a new Medicare card.
What can a scammer do with your Medicare number?
If you find yourself saying, “I gave my number to a Medicare scammer. What will they do with it?” There are a few answers. A scammer can use your Medicare number to file false claims for medical equipment, tests, or services you never received. They may also use it for identity theft or sell the information to others committing healthcare fraud.
Does Medicare call you at home?
Medicare rarely makes phone calls and will never ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information over the phone. The only exception is if you’ve already spoken with Medicare or requested a callback. If you’re receiving spam calls from potential scammers and want to know how to stop Medicare phone calls from fake representatives, speak to your phone service provider.
How do you pay for healthcare expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover?
Figuring out how to finance what your health insurance won’t cover can be stressful, but Medicare recipients have options. You can cover out-of-pocket costs through a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, which helps pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Some people also use Medicaid, employer coverage, or savings accounts to manage these additional expenses.
Is Medicare issuing new cards?
Medicare is not currently issuing new cards. Any messages claiming you need to update or replace your card for a fee are scams — your current Medicare card remains valid unless you request a replacement directly from Medicare.
Why am I getting so many phone calls about Medicare?
Many scammers target seniors during open enrollment or throughout the year with fake offers to trick people into sharing personal information. Your number may have been obtained from public records, data breaches, or marketing lists, making you a target for fraudulent sales pitches.
How much does Medicare cost?
How much does Medicare cost? Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A (hospital insurance) if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. However, Part B (medical insurance) has a standard monthly premium ($174.70), but additional costs may apply for prescription drugs or Advantage plans.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
What are Medicare Advantage plans?
Related Articles
Get a FREE Quote in Minutes
Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
