Every fall, scammers target Medicare’s Open Enrollment window (October 15 to December 7) with fake “Medicare representative” calls and mailers, pushy plan-switch sales pitches, and impostors posing as Medicare or Social Security. This guide shows the Medicare open enrollment scams to watch for, what Medicare actually does, what to do if you already shared your Medicare, Social Security, or bank information, and how to report it. (Names and phone numbers shown are made-up examples.)
How the scam works
It can start with a phone call, a letter in the mail, or even a text — and it always wants your Medicare number, or your money.
Medicare open enrollment scams: the warning signs
1Medicare won’t call you out of the blue
A caller can make any name or number show up on your phone, even the words Medicare Services. That proves nothing.
Warning sign 2: pushy plan-switch calls
- “You must decide right now” — A real agent doesn’t need an instant answer, call after call
- Calls you never asked for — From an agent you’ve never spoken to, especially if they call again and again
- “Sign today or you’ll miss out” — Don’t let anyone rush a decision this important
Warning sign 3: payment and pressure
- Gift cards, wire transfers, or cash apps — No real Medicare bill or fee is ever paid this way
- “Your new card costs a fee” — Medicare mails your card to you automatically, and it’s free
- Urgent threats and pressure — Don’t let a scary threat rush you — hang up and verify first
3 rules to remember
- Your Medicare card is already free — It’s mailed to you automatically. No call, email, or fee is ever needed to get it
- Medicare won’t call you for your number — Not by phone, email, text, or social media, ever
- Hang up, then call 1-800-MEDICARE — Call the number on your card yourself, to check if anything is real
Already shared your number? Act fast.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE right away — Report what happened, and ask them to watch your account
- Gave your bank or card number? Call your bank — Ask them to watch for, or stop, any charges
- Gave your Social Security number? — Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert, and watch for new accounts
- Watch your Medicare Summary Notices — Check for claims or services you don’t recognize
Report it, and warn others
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — Report anyone pretending to be Medicare
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov — File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
- Your local Senior Medicare Patrol — Free help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, at smpresource.org
- Warn family and friends — Scammers target older adults especially hard during Open Enrollment
For family? Review it together.
- Ask about calls and mail during Open Enrollment — Scammers specifically target this October 15 to December 7 window
- Agree: never give out the number on the phone — Not to a caller, ever, even if the call seems urgent
- We can help review plan paperwork — Call 239-513-1960, or click Join Remote Session at naplescomputers.com
Recap: spot Medicare open enrollment scams
- Medicare card is free, mailed automatically
- Medicare won’t call, text, or email for your number
- Caller ID can be faked — hang up and verify
- Don’t let threats or pressure rush your decision
Printable quick guide
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare really call to say I need a new card?
No. Medicare mails your card to you automatically, and it’s free. Medicare will never unexpectedly call, email, text, or message you on social media asking for your Medicare, Social Security, or bank account number to send you a new card.
What if my caller ID shows “Medicare” or “Social Security”?
Caller ID can be faked, and it proves nothing. If you’re not sure a call is real, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself, using the number on your card, not one a caller gives you.
What if someone threatens to cancel my benefits if I don’t share my number?
That’s a pressure tactic, not a reason to comply. Don’t let a threat rush you. Hang up, and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check whether anything is actually wrong with your account.
How do I report a Medicare scam call or mailer?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report anyone pretending to be Medicare, then file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your local Senior Medicare Patrol (smpresource.org) also offers free help.
Related guides
- How to spot a fake Microsoft or Apple support call
- What to do when a pop-up says your computer is infected
- What to do if your email was hacked
Source: Avoid scams during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (FTC Consumer Advice)