Medicare medicare.gov How to stop Medicare scam calls
Hang up and share nothing. Medicare doesn't call out of the blue asking for your Medicare, Social Security or bank numbers. Call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check, block the number, and report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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- medicare.gov
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- Spam calls, texts and email
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Step by step
- 1
Hang up without answering questions
The FTC says Medicare doesn't call you unprompted to ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank details. Anyone who does is a scammer. Don't press buttons or call back a number they give you.
- 2
Ignore caller ID
Scammers can spoof numbers so the call looks like it comes from Medicare or another agency, according to the FCC.
- 3
Check for yourself
If you're unsure, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) using that number, not one from the caller.
- 4
Block the number
Use your phone's blocking settings and your carrier's call blocking or spam labeling tools. The FCC lists these as a main defense.
- 5
Report the call
Report it to 1-800-MEDICARE and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Fraud can also go to the HHS Office of Inspector General at tips.oig.hhs.gov.
- 6
If you already shared details
Contact your bank right away if you gave bank information. If you gave other personal information, the FTC's ID Theft Hotline is 1-877-438-4338.
Watch out for
- Never pay for a Medicare card or accept a free offer tied to your Medicare number. Real cards are free.
- Don't enroll in a drug or health plan over the phone unless you started the call.
- Signing up for the Do Not Call Registry helps with legal telemarketers. It won't stop scammers, who ignore it.
- For free, unbiased help comparing plans, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
What stays out there
Blocking numbers deals with the call you just got, and scammers switch numbers fast. The other half is where they got your number and age in the first place. Lead lists are bought from data brokers, and people-search sites show phone numbers and ages for free.
Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, which cuts down what scammers can find about you.
Frequently asked
Why do I keep getting Medicare calls?
Your number is probably on lead lists, and scammers can spoof numbers so blocked callers come back from a new one. Blocking tools and reporting help, but they don't stop every call.
Will the Do Not Call Registry stop Medicare scam calls?
Not scammers. The FTC says being on the Registry won't stop scammers from making illegal calls.
Is Medicare calling me?
Medicare doesn't call unprompted to ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank numbers. If in doubt, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Where do I report a Medicare scam call?
At 1-800-MEDICARE and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FCC also takes complaints at fcc.gov/complaints.
Sources
Related guide Guide: How to Delete Yourself from the Internet Something changed? If these steps no longer match what you see, tell us and we'll re-check it.
