Medicare Identity Theft: How Scammers Steal Your Number and Your Money

Seniors nationwide are receiving calls from people claiming to be Medicare representatives. The caller says there is a problem with the account, a new card is being issued, or benefits are about to expire. The real goal is identity theft.

The scammer asks for the Medicare ID number, Social Security number, or bank details to verify the account. Once they have this information, they can bill Medicare for fake services, open credit lines, or sell the data on the dark web.

Medicare does not make unsolicited phone calls asking for personal information. Any call that asks you to confirm your ID number, provide banking details, or pay a fee to keep benefits is fraudulent.

A common variation is the Medicare grocery card or food card pitch. Is the Medicare grocery card a scam? If someone cold-calls you about free groceries or a spending card and asks for your Medicare number, yes — real Medicare benefits are never sold over the phone.

Anyone enrolled in Medicare, especially newer beneficiaries.

Family members and caregivers who manage a senior's health information.

1. 1You receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Medicare.
2. 2The caller says your card is being replaced or benefits are at risk.
3. 3They ask you to confirm your Medicare ID, SSN, or bank info.
4. 4The information is used to bill Medicare or steal your identity.

• ✓Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE if you want to verify anything.
• ✓Never share your Medicare ID number over the phone.
• ✓Report suspicious calls to your local Senior Medicare Patrol.
• ✓Text SAM the caller's number for an instant check.
• ✓To stop Medicare scam calls, hang up without pressing any buttons, block the number, and never share your Medicare ID. Wondering how to report a Medicare scam? Call 1-800-MEDICARE or file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Medicare.gov →
• Senior Medicare Patrol →