SCAM Spotlight
Emails asking for personal
or banking info.
What’s happening?
Scammers often masquerade as Medicare or healthcare representatives and reach out by phone or email. These fraudulent calls or messages might promise new benefits or free medical supplies or claim they need to verify your medical details. But these are almost always scams. Medicare will never contact you unsolicited to request your personal medical or insurance information.  
Why It’s Dangerous
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Unsolicited contact: The call or email was unexpected, especially tricky when your caller ID looks familiar.  
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Requests for private info: If someone asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, medical details, or financial data, be suspicious. 
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Too-good-to-be-true offers: Promises of early vaccine access, free genetic testing, or new cards on demand are a red flag. 
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Creating urgency: They may pressure you to act fast or claim your benefits are at risk; this is a common manipulation tactic.
What to Do
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Don’t share your info. Hang up or delete any unsolicited message asking for personal or medical details.
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Double-check before responding. If curious or worried, call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227) or use the official website, not the number they called you from.
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Report illegal calls & emails. File a complaint with the FCC, FTC, and 1‑800‑MEDICARE. If health or identity fraud is involved, consider contacting your provider’s fraud unit or the OIG.   
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Share the knowledge. Alert friends, family, or caregivers, especially older adults, so they can stay protected too.​
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Unexpected calls or emails asking for medical or Medicare information are not legitimate. Protect your information and always verify before responding. Being cautious is your strongest defense.
