As you get older, the risk of being targeted by health care scams goes up. Scammers know that many older adults have health concerns, rely on Medicare, and often trust people who claim to want to help. Sadly, these criminals take advantage of that trust. Their tricks can cost you money, damage your credit, and even steal your identity.
The good news is that you can protect yourself. By learning the most common scams, the red flags to watch for, and what steps to take if you suspect fraud, you can stay one step ahead.
Common Health Care Scams
Fake health screenings
You might see a mobile clinic or health fair set up near a senior center or church. They offer free tests, like blood pressure, hearing, or vision checks. All they ask for is your Medicare number. What you don’t see is that the scammer then bills Medicare for fake services and keeps the money.
Free medical products or services
Scammers may call, text, send letters, or even knock on your door offering “free” medical equipment or tests. Recently, fraudsters have tricked people into giving up their Medicare information in exchange for catheters, knee braces, or back braces. Often, the equipment never arrives—but the scammer still bills Medicare for it.
Fake Medicare or insurance calls
One of the most common scams is a phone call, text, or email from someone pretending to be Medicare or an insurance agent. They might say you need a new Medicare card, that your account has a problem, or that you owe money. Their real goal? To steal your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account information.
If you question them, they may get aggressive, threaten to cancel your benefits, or say they’ll freeze your assets. This is never how Medicare works.
Red Flags of Health Care Fraud
Scammers use many tricks, but their scams usually have warning signs. Watch for:
- Bills or explanation of benefits (EOBs) for services you never received.
- More than one bill for the same service.
- Requests for personal information, like your Medicare number, over the phone, by text, or by email. Medicare will not ask this way.
- Claims that your Medicare card is expiring. Medicare cards do not expire.
- Pressure to pay for a new Medicare card. Medicare does not charge for cards.
- “Discount” plans where none of your doctors are in the network.
- Pushy salespeople who don’t explain a health plan in detail.
- Requests for your Social Security number or Medicare ID number just to give you a quote.
- Someone asking you to pay for help with Medicare or marketplace enrollment.
- Threats or high-pressure tactics telling you to act immediately.
If it feels wrong, it probably is.
How to Protect Yourself
Review your records carefully
Always read your medical bills and EOBs. An EOB is not a bill—it’s a record of the services billed to your insurance. If you see something you don’t recognize, call your doctor or Medicare. Don’t just assume it’s correct.
Never give out personal info to strangers
Do not share your Medicare or Social Security number unless you contacted the company or agency first. Medicare will never call you out of the blue asking for it.
Check new health plans before signing up
Scammers love to offer fake insurance or prescription plans. Before signing anything:
- Ask to see the full list of benefits.
- Check healthcare.gov or medicare.gov to make sure the plan is real.
- If someone says they represent a major insurance company, call the company directly to confirm.
Use free, official helpers
Navigators and assisters at healthcare.gov can help you explore plans for free. You can also contact your State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for free Medicare help.
Educate your loved ones
Older adults are often the main target. Talk to your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones about these scams. Help them learn the warning signs, like surprise phone calls asking for Medicare numbers or “too good to be true” offers.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you think you’ve been targeted or even tricked, don’t be embarrassed—report it. Reporting helps protect others, too. You won’t get in trouble for speaking up.
You can contact:
- Medicare Fraud Line: Call 800-MEDICARE or report online at medicare.gov.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Call 877-382-4357 or report online at ftc.gov.
- Your local police department if you feel threatened or believe your identity has been stolen.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping the damage.
Quick Recap
- Older adults are common targets. Scammers prey on trust and Medicare coverage.
- Beware of “free” products. Nothing is truly free if you have to give up your Medicare or Social Security number.
- Medicare does not expire. Don’t fall for anyone saying your card or benefits are ending.
- Don’t share personal info. Only give it out when you initiate the call.
- Check your bills. Review your medical bills and EOBs for services you didn’t receive.
- Report suspicious activity. Call Medicare, the FTC, or your local police.
By staying alert and asking questions, you can avoid scams and keep your money—and your identity—safe.