Medicare Scam Defense
$60B/yr in Medicare fraud. Don't be a victim.
RULE: Medicare NEVER calls you
- Medicare doesn't cold-call.
- Medicare doesn't door-knock.
- Medicare doesn't ask for SSN over phone.
- Medicare doesn't threaten cancellation.
- If unsure — hang up + call Medicare directly: 1-800-MEDICARE.
Common scams
- "New Medicare card" — asks for SSN. Fake.
- Free knee braces / back braces — bills Medicare $1,000+ for nothing.
- DNA test kits — "free cancer screening," bills Medicare.
- Diabetic supplies — over-orders + bills.
- Hospice scams — sign up healthy people.
- Plan switch pressure — "your plan is ending."
- Free meals to listen to pitch — usually overpriced Medicare Advantage.
Protect your Medicare number
- Treat like credit card number.
- Only doctor + Medicare-approved providers need it.
- Never give to phone callers, door knockers, "free testing."
- Check Medicare Summary Notices for charges you didn't get.
- Sign up for Medicare.gov account to monitor claims.
- If number stolen — call 1-800-MEDICARE for new card.
If contacted
- Hang up. No conversation needed.
- Don't say "yes" (some record + use voice).
- Don't press numbers.
- Block number after hangup.
- If they have your # — they don't have your data, they guessed.
Report fraud
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — official line.
- SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) — smpresource.org. Free.
- HHS Office of Inspector General — oig.hhs.gov/fraud.
- FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- State Insurance Commissioner — for plan switching.
Free help: SHIP
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) — FREE counselors in every state. shiphelp.org. Help compare plans, fight bills, report scams. Better than ANY salesperson because they don't earn commission.