Every year, scammers find new ways to trick people out of money and personal information. Older adults, especially those on Medicare, are common targets. The threat is real—and bigger than you might think. In 2024, older Americans lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud, with an average loss of $83,000 per victim, according to the FBI. The good news: you can protect yourself by knowing the warning signs and taking simple steps to stay safe.
STEP 1: KNOW THE MOST COMMON MEDICARE SCAMS
The first line of defense is awareness. Scammers target millions of Americans every year, and often single out older adults because scammers think they can pressure them more easily. By learning the patterns, you’ll be ready to spot red flags before they cause harm.
Watch for:
- Government impersonator scams: Someone claims they’re from Medicare or another agency and asks for your ID or bank information.
- Prize or sweepstakes scams: You’re told you won money but must pay fees or buy gift cards to collect it.
- Tech support scams: Callers claim your computer has a virus and demand payment to “fix” it.
- Grandparent scams: A caller pretends to be a family member in trouble and pressures you to send money.
- “Pig butchering” scams: Scammers build trust online and then push fake investment opportunities.
- Love/romance scams: A scammer may use a fake identity online to gain your trust and affection and promise to meet in person. Eventually, they will ask for money.
To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text and email saying things like:
- "You need to activate or renew your Medicare card."
- "We'd like to send you a free genetic testing kit."
- "Medicare has authorized us to send you a free (knee, back or elbow) brace."
- "You qualify for a refund on your Medicare costs."
Remember, never give your Medicare card or number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
STEP 2: PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
One of the easiest ways to steal from Medicare beneficiaries is to trick people into sharing private details. If someone contacts you out of the blue, do not give them your Medicare ID number, Social Security number, or banking information. Medicare and government agencies will never call or email to ask for this information. Medicare will never contact you unless you’ve contacted them first.
STEP 3: CHECK BILLS AND ACCOUNTS REGULARLY
Fraud often starts small. Scammers may test with minor charges before moving to larger amounts. By reviewing your statements and bank records frequently, you can catch problems proactively. Many people discover fraud this way, and the sooner you notice, the easier it is to resolve.
Look for these problems:
- Services you didn’t receive
- Charges you don’t recognize
- Withdrawals you didn’t authorize
Spotting even one suspicious item can be a sign of fraud. Reporting it early helps protect both your money and your Medicare benefits.
The Medicare website says common scams may also include a company offering you a Medicare drug plan that Medicare hasn’t approved. Be sure to only consider plans that are from reputable and licensed insurers partnered with Medicare.
Medicare scams cost older adults billions of dollars each year, but you are not alone. Knowing the warning signs can help you stay safe and protect your benefits.
STEP 4: SLOW DOWN AND THINK BEFORE YOU PAY
One of the biggest warning signs of a scam is pressure to act fast. Scammers may say your benefits will be cut off, a family member is in danger, or you’ll miss out on a prize if you don’t pay right away. They want you to feel panicked so you won’t stop to think.
Ask yourself:
- Does this sound too good to be true?
- Is someone asking for payment with gift cards or wire transfers?
- Is the request urgent or threatening?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” it’s almost always a scam. Allow yourself to pause, verify the information, and only respond once you know it’s legitimate.
STEP 5: USE SMART ONLINE AND PHONE HABITS
Scammers rely on surprise calls, emails, and texts to catch you off guard. The more you practice safe online and phone habits, the harder it is for them to succeed. A few simple changes can make it much harder for them to trick you.
- Don’t click links or open attachments in emails or texts from unknown senders.
- Hang up on suspicious calls.
- Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
- Call the official number on the Medicare or government website when in doubt.
Remember, Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit your home.
STEP 6: KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SCAMMED
If it happens to you, you’re not alone. Quick action can make a big difference.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam:
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact your bank right away if you shared account or card details.
Reporting what happened not only protects your finances but also creates a record that can help stop scammers from targeting others in the future.
STAY SAFE WITH MEDICARE SCAM PREVENTION
Scammers are getting more sophisticated every year. By following these six steps, you’ll be ready to recognize scams, protect your personal information, and know exactly what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Share this guide with friends and family so they know what to watch for. A quick conversation could save them from a scam, too.
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