Is the call "from Medicare" a scam?
Almost always. Medicare won't call you out of the blue to ask for your number.
Hang up. If you have a question, call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
Around the countryLast checked November 2026
Watch it happen
1 of 5Tap through it. Each trick gets named as it happens.
"Hi, I'm calling from Medicare about your new card."
Tap next to keep going.They called you. Medicare doesn't call out of the blue.
What to do
- 1Hang up. Don't press any buttons to "be removed".
- 2To check your plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or type Medicare.gov yourself. Don't click a search ad.
- 3Read your Medicare statements. Anything you didn't get, call Medicare about it.
What to say: "I don't give my number over the phone. I'll call Medicare myself."
The real place to check: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or Medicare.gov typed in yourself.
Practice
Scam or real?
Practice is what helps most. Take a look and pick one.
MyChart: Your 2027 Medicare Kit is ready. Confirm your Medicare ID to receive your new card and extra benefits: mychart-medicarekit.com
Want to know more?
How it works, start to finish
From October 15 to December 7 is Medicare open enrollment, and the calls pour in. Some people get them 15 times a day.
The caller says your card is expiring, or you qualify for extra benefits, a back brace or tests at no cost to you. All they need is to "confirm" your Medicare number.
With your number, they can bill Medicare in your name for things you never got, or switch your plan. Some fake sites even pay to show up first when you search for Medicare.
All the signs
- They called you. You didn't call them.
- They ask for your Medicare or Social Security number.
- Something at no cost to you, if you act today.
- A threat that you'll lose coverage.
The four steps almost every scam follows
Step 1
A scary alarm
Your account, your benefits, your record or your computer is in trouble.
Step 2
Hurry
Act now, stay on the line, don't tell anyone.
Step 3
Only one fix
Theirs. Do exactly what they say.
Step 4
Money that can't come back
Gift cards, a Bitcoin machine, a wire, or cash handed to a courier.
By the numbers
- Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and that's when these calls peak.
- Some Ohio seniors report up to 15 calls a day.
- Over 40 health systems warned about a fake "MyChart Medicare Kit" text this fall.
Where to report it
- Medicare1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- The FTCReportFraud.ftc.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline877-908-3360
The signs
- They called you. You didn't call them.
- They ask for your Medicare or Social Security number.
- Something at no cost to you, if you act today.
- A threat that you'll lose coverage.
Where to report it
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- The FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360
Ask me first. Got one and not sure? Send it to me. I'll tell you what I think and what to do. It's on me, and it stays between us.