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Scammers follow the news – and the money. A few months ago, we shared the news that Medicare is sending new cards to everyone who gets Medicare benefits, replacing your Social Security number with another number. As expected, scammers have been trying to cash in on this change.

These scammers typically reach out by phone and have tried a few different tactics. Sometimes, they claim to be a Medicare representative and ask to verify (ahem, steal) your information. Or they claim that there’s a fee for your new card (there isn’t). Others claim that your Medicare card was compromised and you need to move your money from your bank into “safer accounts” (it wasn’t, you don’t, and following their advice means putting your money in their pockets). We’ve even heard of some scammers offering plastic versions of the card for a fee – even though the real Medicare cards are paper and there are no legitimate plastic cards.

How can you avoid these scams? Remember these tips:

  • Don’t give personal information to get your new Medicare card. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number, bank information, or other information to get your new card, that’s a scam. Hang up. Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get your new Medicare number and card.
  • Don’t pay for your new card. It’s yours for free. If anyone calls and says you need to pay for it, that’s a scam. Hang up.

If you’ve already given out your bank account information over the phone, talk to your bank immediately. You’ll want to deal with any unauthorized activity on your account as soon as possible.

For more information about the new Medicare cards, go to go.medicare.gov/newcard.

And if you’re a victim of a scam, report it to the FTC.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

fed-up
November 02, 2018
The next medicare pain scammer who calls me is going to get an earful of air-horn. 10 calls in the last 2 days.
Brian fastiggi…
November 24, 2018
Brian 0 I was just contacted by Medicare and unfortunately it was a scam I gave them my old card number like a fool because my CID number on their phone was the same as medicare's I don't know how they did it but I gave them my old card number I just hope that they cannot get my new number from the old number what a fool I am
Jnokes5
November 28, 2018
I've been taking care of my bedridden mother who is on Medicare & for weeks, almost every day thru the week, I get a call for my mother from a person with a foreign accent (usually men but there's been a couple women) claiming to be from Medicare. each time, I hang up on them & they always call back with another excuse to call. One even started asking me if i was married & my age! I was furious! Today, another call claiming if I activate my Medicare card (they thought I was my elderly mother), they would send me a completely Free pain relief massager but they needed her Medicare number or SSN. I told him no thank you & hung up immediately! It's sad elderly people have to worry about this. Don't these ppl have anything better to do??
Physicsprof
December 09, 2018
Got a call from what looked like an official number in Maryland. the line: My new card was returned for improper address. Caller verified my address and began asking for additional personal information. Hang up time!
Knight
December 11, 2018
I got a call for sending money on somewhere in someone account name Sadhana baigari, I got her account number IFSC code as well, I would like to complaint about thi and to request seal the account.
2018Senior
December 12, 2018
We've been getting a phone call from 1-(619) 800-7320 at 6 am at least once a week claiming that there has been a problem with Medicare card. Ask for name and number to call them back, respond that it's a calling center. Told them I don't do anything over the phone and that if they need to send me a letter. Assume it's as scam, very pushy. I just don't know what to do to block this number, getting such an early call is very upsetting.
dave
December 19, 2018
Dec 19, 2018 Received a call last evening from: 619-745-4420. Caller said he was from Medicare and confirmed all my personal info: date of birth, address, full name, etc. Asked for my new medicare card number so he could send me a new plastic card. I told him that I wouldn't give him that # nor my SS #, and hung up on him.
NC senior
December 19, 2018
Received a “Medicare verification” call from someone saying they were from “America” asking for name, address, date of birth....... Beware of 1-515-898-0092
Don't use ywhe…
December 19, 2018
Have received several call,last one #4025184318,which ask me if i have received the new medicare card,and that the number is needed for confirmation of new benefits to which i will be entitled upon confirming my number.they insist,will state will wait so i can get the card. Also have received calls regarding the y will assist me get back pain relief equipment and that medicare will cover those services.Of course i hanged after that,specially the calls that do insist and will even say will wait so i can get the new card number....
terry canto
December 21, 2018
I got a call from 619-745-4371... asking for my new medicare card#, unfortunately my elderly mother got the same call AND she did give out her ss#. we are going crazy trying to put fraud alerts on everything
Don't use your…
January 03, 2019
Two calls a day, and they are blocking their calls so no number shows up for tracking them!
Don't even hav…
January 05, 2019
Received a call from 619-558-2776 asking for my husband so he could activate his Medicare card and then activate mine. Funny thing is - neither he nor I have Medicare.
Maria
January 07, 2019
Other scam from #619 771 0853
Marianne
January 09, 2019
Just recvd call from Debary FL. 3865759695 telling me that I am entitled to topical cream for my arthritis for free from Medicare. Then was asked for my Medicare number. Said that I would not give any info. I was then hung up on. Beware of scam.
Frank
January 10, 2019
Just got a call 619-558-2776 ..they told me I never sent back my info on my Medicare info... one thing is Medicare will NOT call you... like the IRS will not call you.. I told him send me a letter. An I said you never received my info back so you have my address..send me a letter!
Snuzzy
January 11, 2019
I got a call on my cell from a man from Medicare 1-800-633-4866. After he said he was from Medicare I said No, and hung up. The Federal Govt is closed due to the budget crisis. Why would Medicare be calling me. I called back on a different line. A computer wanted to know if I was older than 50. That doesn't sound like the Feds to me.
caught sleeping
January 14, 2019
Just had a call from ' Medicare' # 1-800-633-4227. Heavy accent and had soft questions first i.e color of card, mixed numbers and letters. But they needed my middle initial for their system. Like a fool I gave it to them then it hit me and I hung up. I'm not sure what they can do with this info but nothing good, I'm sure.
manina
January 16, 2019
They call me every day, usually between 6 and 9 AM (repeatedly, sometimes just a couple of minutes between calls) but I have also got them at night. Area code is 619. I tell them to stop calling me, to take my number off their list, that I will never give any info by phone, to send their request by mail... they still tried to get my Medica member number and my SS. They are relentless and are waking me up every damn day!
Jenna
January 19, 2019
I take care of old man. Phone calls about back braces. Now I'm asking for the name of the company ,phone number and the doctor name ( from their network). This is President money for the wall. Medicare money is 60 billion per year. Please hire special division for fighting with them and save our money. I ask very simple question- name of the company. Make a list to Medicare to not pay them .
Tony
January 22, 2019
got a call today asking if we got a new card and told me if I don't "activate" my card I won't receive my benefits. He knew my name and address but I offered no info to him. Is this a scam?
Cocoa
January 29, 2019
I got a call yesterday from an Indian sounding man who knew my complete name and my birth date. He said Medicare now has free prescription coverage with no co-pays. He insisted I go get my Medicare card so he could activate this new coverage. I said no I am not that stupid. I hung up on him while he was protesting. 916 583 5688 was the caller number.
Jax BettyDon't…
February 01, 2019
Very clever scam (I think) yesterday, blamed the shutdown for having to call me to verify my Medicare information. Like a idiot I complied. I just reported the call to the government, but wonder if my stupidity will jeopardize my Medicare claims.
Malak
February 01, 2019
They call all the time. Driving me crazy. Want me to order braces. I have a doctor and he will order the essential things I need..I am so tired of it.
whoknowswho
February 05, 2019
Here, they called and managed to get a local area code - not only that but they got someone who isn't even on medicare, they're younger than 65!
martha
February 08, 2019
Just go numerous calls from 1-800-Medicare this morning husband answered. Asked him for verification of medicare number. Did not ask for specific person as we are both on medicare. Was was foreign accent and when husband refused and hung up he called back and asked again and he hung up on him. He called again same number 1 hr last and husband stated was being recorded and and would be reported . Has been reported to FTC right after.
Laredo,TX E;derly
February 11, 2019
Today Feb 11, 2019, we received a call from trying to verify under the new technology over the telephone to save on requesting information by paperwork. The confirmed all the information and asked for date of birth with they got - but then requested to get the new card number to confirm all the Part D benefits. I told them that since we had no way knowing whom this person was since the phone number received was 619-505-0081 with mention it was from Medicare office - we requested the paper form to verify the Medicare numbers they wanted. We have been told never to release information to anyone by telephone because of scammers and they said that the number and part d was not going to be confirmed and not activated. I told them all that information was previously confirmed and activated when the card received and there is no reason to repeat this information since receiving the new card several years ago. I hang up on them and requested to see form in writing to answer this request they needed. Mr. Rodriguez said that part d was not being confirmed and told them that ok because it was already confirmed.
britsteve2
February 11, 2019
Just received a call from 619 745 4828 in CA. They said they were replacing my paper card with plastic but I had to tell them the numbers of my medicare card so that they could place it on the new card. They did however have my address. Sounded convincing but conversation was stilted, I therefore put the phone down and did a google search for scams. Frightening.
Elliearm
February 12, 2019
I gave out my new Medicare number to someone who said they were with Medicare and a doctor had ordered a knee brace for me! Since I have bad knees I was caught off guard and gave her the number. She already knew my full name, birthdate and address so I fell for it! I am 82 and so upset that I gave out my number! Can they use this against me some way? What can I do?
Susan
February 19, 2019
I've been getting calls multiple times a day from 606-288... the last 4 constantly change as I keep blocking the numbers. The woman says she is recording and calling about medicare discount cards. I've said to stop calling, remove my number, I am on the do not call list, NOTHING WORK! I have even gotten these calls on my cell. It is beyond ridiculous at this point.
Oz the wizard
February 22, 2019
Be aware that because there are new numbers being assigned by Medicare replacing the SS number, that action totally disrupts the scammer system of operation. Also be aware that Medicare DOES NOT allow anyone to offer any type of product or service that is not sanctioned or ordered by your Physician. Also be aware that phone numbers can be "cloned" very easily so, don't be surprised if the number you get on your caller ID belongs to a private individual if you try to call back. That means that you MAY BE wasting your time reporting the number as the one that you have received a "scammer's" call from. Whenever you receive a call from ANY entity that you have not asked for, or do not expect, you do yourself a favor not even to listen to what they have to say. Bottom line is, NOTHING IS FREE or told that is going be paid by someone else. Remember when our parents said "there are no free lunches"?? Apply that saying to EVERYTHING in your life.
Carol G
February 23, 2019
They are waking us up in the middle of the night and calling my cell phone too. I’ve had my land line phone company block 2 numbers and they come back with another. My husband’s name is Carlos and if I answer they ask me if I speak Spanish. I tell them no and hang up. 619-374-5407 619-378-1998 619-452-1421 619-489-6624 619-363-9186 619-771-0853
Xpilot13
February 26, 2019
I get so many of these calls I've started to delay, give them phoney information and try to waste as much of their time as I can. It's often very entertaining to see how much they'll lie and spin trying to get something they can use.
Don't Leeuse y…
February 28, 2019
Just got a call from Canada saying they, the foreign accent guy was from Medicare and there was a problem. A-huh... Call was from 514-847-6141
Julia
March 04, 2019
I thought these calls to me had stopped after I reported them to Medicare and the FTC. But today I got another one from 619-586-5188. Caller said he was from Medicare calling about my new card. I said "Medicare doesn't make phone calls; you are a scammer." He promptly hung up.
Shar1
March 06, 2019
I'm so glad I found this site. Must have received 9 calls last hour. Several left message about medicare..foreign voice...relentlessly calling today. Had a scam trying to sell back brace. Now I'm blocking calls and hopefully get the hint.
California elderly
March 07, 2019
A few months ago we got numerous calls asking for Social Security info found it to be a scam we finally after several tries stopped that one and now today we received calls from 8004904388 it turns out to be direct TV number but they are trying to get medical info from my mom they have called at least a dozen or more times since 7:20 am this morning til about 2 pm its ridiculous I finally started getting ugly on the phone seems they finally gave up ..
received spam calls
March 07, 2019
So tired of these spam calls. They want to verify information and say they are with the SS office. Due to the government shut down they are calling, which SS never calls. They want to get your number to send you a new plastic medicare card. How do you get them to stop calling? They are annoying!!!!!!!!!!!
WRRLLC
March 11, 2019
just received third call this week on the plastic Medicare card scam. Can’t believe there’s no way to track and punish! Here’s the number, block it 732-372-2960
microbuss
March 13, 2019
yep have received this scam twice & SHE said her name was Ethan Was from Monroe, NY number blocked!!
RICH Don't use…
March 16, 2019
Received a call at 2:30 AM from someone saying it was medicare. They said they had called me multiple times (I don't answer numbers I don't recognize.) and they will not call me again but will drop me from medicare! I happen to be waiting for approval for some med. tests I nearly answered that call but I KNOW MEDICARE WOULD NOT BE CALLING ME AT 2:30 AM. Also threatening to drop me from Medicare seemed ridiculous. Frightening old people (I am 89) seems to be there modus operandi.
PLS
March 18, 2019
When I'm bored, this retiree will play with the callers. I'll confirm information the caller has that's publicly available and when they ask for anything else, I tell them they already have it. I try to give the impression that I'm interested without providing any additional information. It's fun. One caller got so frustrated with me when I asked him where he was calling from, he said he was actually calling from a foreign country and his firm was hired by Medicare to provide this important service. After 10-15 minutes, I asked why Medicare would hire foreigners to provide the service when so many Americans were unemployed. At that point I assume he realized he was had and he hung up. Self entertainment is the best.
Scam call for …
March 18, 2019
Got called this am by someone who wanted to know if I had received my new medicare card and that they wanted to update in order to send me the "new plastic card". Guy gave his name and an agent # to sound legit but 1) Medicare would never call on the phone 2) if they ever did, they already have my info and 3) the giveaway was that the guy referred to my current card as "temporary". Beware. Call blocked though they called several time during the day. Call was from 818-297-5248.
brt
March 19, 2019
Just got one of these on my cell phone. It was spoofed so it looked local (my area code and exchange). Also he knew my first name, which was disturbing. Claimed to be from the Medicare pain relief department. No damage done--I hung up, but this is at least the second time for this scam, and is very annoying. I appreciate this site, since it confirms my assumption that I was being scammed.
comment
April 11, 2019
Today, April 11, 2019, a caller identified himself as "Medicare Holdings". I write after researching this and immediately saw this FTC warning. Just a note, on asking if he was from a Government agency he said no but immediately pressed his fishing expedition. I hung up. Obviously renaming a criminal endeavour to suggest authenticity is unsurprising. What is important is this type of deception is 'never-ending'. Thanks again for keeping these criminals in check. Best advise? Say nothing. Hang up. Medicare will send a letter on bona fide concerns.
Kathy
April 13, 2019
My parents have been receiving 75 to 100 calls a day. My mother just had a major heart attack and the calls are really causing her to be stressed. I have blocked several dozen numbers but it still rings once disturbing her sleep and peace of mind. I am getting ready to just disconnect the phone.
Caplinger
April 30, 2019
I work in the healthcare field and my client was in the hospital and she had doctor. The scam artist knew that and was claiming to be this doctor and ask for her Medicare card so he could run it through Insurance again to see what it would pay for because it was coming back that it wouldn't have covered any of the hospital bill and it was fast forward a few weeks all of her stuff had been denied because someone had stolen her medicare number. No one was with her the day the person called and she honestly thought it was the doctor and gave out her social security number because that was on her Medicare card
hippie73
May 03, 2019
I got an email that wanted my medicare card number in order to send me a new book on line. If they had my email, why did they need my card number?
Just hang up o…
May 15, 2019
Yesterday, I got 18 unsolicited calls. When the phones rings, look at the number, pick up the phone, and then hang up. The next day, I got 16 unwanted calls. The days after that I got unsolicited 15 calls. Over 80 percent of those calls were from so-called health care providers (that's what showed up on the caller id). Just answer and hang up. Try to catch the call on the first or second ring.
BehrmanBee
May 21, 2019
Phone calls from DSMedicare are not from Medicare. For years I've gotten calls from them & the voice on my phone says "call from Medicare" which this is not. They say they are calling in answer to my request to upgrade diabetes supplies. It is not true as in my case I never called them & don't want their products. At first I answered & told them to stop calling me...which they did not. When I block the call I get a call from a different number & city. I've blocked so many calls from this bunch that I had to unblock some calls due to block limitations. When they can't get me to answer with the DSMedicare they start using NONE identification name . I've gotten hundreds of calls like this over the years & they won't give up. I finally reported it to FTC & hope that others who have this problem will do the same. These people are costing Medicare a bundle convincing seniors to buy things they don't want. It is most annoying to their targets.
sheriffgirl
May 21, 2019
Just received a call from 693-911-3507 I think he said his name was Robert Armstrong. Said he was calling from Medicare and needed to process my May benefits. Said I asked if he was from Medicare or if he was a company wanting to sell Medicare Benefits. He said he was with Medicare and this was his name and his badge #. He needed to verify my address and name (both of which he told to me) Since I am getting ready to go on Medicare I thought about it for a moment and decided to google does medicare call you. He again said he needed to verify info and I said just a minute let me check something. He then said you can call medicare if you want and they can verify my name and # and here is there # and rattled off Medicares phone number. He then said call them and verify, and you have a nice day and then hung up. I'm sure it was a scammer. But what I want to know is, who is giving all these companies info because I've gotten a ton of mail and phone calls wanting me to sign up for supplemental plans since I am approaching Medicare age.
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