Medicare fraud affects everyone, so here’s what to know and do
Scammers steal your Medicare number to commit fraud, and dishonest providers bill Medicare for services you never received or items you don't need.
How it works
Scammers contact you by phone, email, or text claiming to be from Medicare and ask you to confirm or provide your Medicare number. Once they have it, they use it to submit false claims for medical equipment, drugs, or services you never got. Providers may also charge Medicare for duplicate treatments or unnecessary items like braces, pocketing the money while your benefits get drained.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or message claims to be Medicare and asks for your Medicare number
- You receive a bill or notice for medical equipment or services you don't remember getting
- Unsolicited offer of a free or discounted drug plan or medical equipment
- Someone offers to help you get Medicare benefits in exchange for upfront payment
- You see charges on your Medicare statement for duplicate treatments
What to do
Do not give your Medicare number to anyone who calls or messages you unprompted. If you get a call claiming to be Medicare, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE using the number on your official Medicare card. Review your Medicare statements monthly for charges you don't recognize. Report suspected fraud to the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or online at stopmedicarefraud.gov.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.