Scammers are always looking for ways to steal your identity and your money! The latest scams are emailing you about a bill due or a phone call about your Medicare insurance and now texting!. Don't fall for it; it's a scam. Delete the texts & emails and hang up the phone.

It's important to always guard your Medicare Number and check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for errors. Only give your Medicare Number to participating Medicare pharmacists, primary and specialty care doctors, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Remember, Medicare will never call you to verify your Medicare Number. 

Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on protecting yourself from fraud and reporting suspected fraud.

Here's an excerpt from Woman's World where Elisa is quoted:

Find out some of the most popular tactics scammers employ to steal seniors' personal information

By Alexandria Brooks and Shay Trotter Updated: May 23, 2025

Unfortunately, with millions of seniors currently enrolled in Medicare plans, it’s common for fraud and abuse of this program to take place. Thankfully, knowing what to watch for can help you stay safe. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare scams that could impact you and how to avoid becoming a victim. 

Medicare abuse is when people fall victim to schemes offering free medical supplies or claims about refunds in exchange for social security numbers, Medicare numbers and credit card information. The FBI estimates that around $3 billion in losses occur annually from Medicare abuse and other kinds of fraud.

“Scammers often prey on the elderly because this demographic has built up savings over years of work experience as well as a credit history, which makes them the ideal target for credit card fraud,” says Ari Parker, the lead licensed Medicare advisor at Chapter.

He adds that Medicare fraud and abuse can be caused by providers, beneficiaries, and scammers—and generally results in higher costs and taxes for everyone.

Parker notes that one of the most common forms of Medicare abuse is scams. This is where scammers act as Medicare professionals to solicit personal or medical information that allows them to steal from older adults. 

This is one of the most common scams that impact older adults. “You may get a call claiming your Medicare benefits are at risk, and they will pressure you with urgency to give them your personal information,” says Dan Hardle, chief executive officer at Medicare Advocates. “This is always a scam.”

In the case of this scam, someone will tell you are owed money back from prescriptions, durable medical equipment (DME) or medical services in the form of a refund or rebate.

“In order to receive this money, they will ask for your Medicare number, personal information, or billing details,” explains Hardle. “If this call does not come directly from your healthcare or insurance provider, it is likely a scam.”

“This scam is becoming more common over the past few years,” says Hardle. “They may claim that they have a version that is ‘more secure’, or it may just be a newer version.”

Most of the scammers will claim to be from Medicare and ask for personal information. They will then use what they collect to commit identity fraud, access finances, etc.

If you suspect you or your loved one has been a victim of Medicare fraud, you’ll want to act as quickly as possible. “Immediately contact Social Security and Medicare to report,” says Elisa Ball, Medicare insurance advisor and broker with Advocate Health Advisors.  

For particularly serious cases, outside help might be necessary to navigate the situation.

“If you are overwhelmed or the fraud has grown beyond your scope, consult an attorney who specializes in Medicare fraud. They will help you know how to proceed and deal with any or all legal repercussions.”
 

Though Medicare scams happen frequently, there are steps you can take to stay safe.

• Don’t give out information to untrusted sources. “The only persons you may trust with your identification information are your agent or broker,” says Ball. “Always assume the worst when someone reaches out to you.” Contact your agent or Medicare directly if you have a concern.
• Watch for suspicious emails. Don’t click on any links or share information via message. Instead, log in to your Medicare.gov account directly or your insurance account to update your information and verify your data.
• Ask for a replacement card online. If you lost your card and need a new one, you can go to the Medicare.gov website to request it directly.

Overall, staying vigilant and knowing the signs of fraud can help you avoid becoming a victim.

With thousands of Medicare plans available throughout the country, finding the right one for you is key. According to Parker, plans should take into account a person’s doctors, specialists, prescription drugs, and financial situations. 

“Many Medicare brokerages may try and steer you into a plan that does not put your best interests first,” Parker notes.

Sadly, there are some unscrupulous agents out there who may try to switch your Medicare insurance coverage for financial gain in the form of commissions, adds Ball. This means you could end up in a plan that was worse than what you already had. 

In conclusion, working with an independent Medicare broker ensures that you’ll find the best plan for your needs, that offers the most comprehensive coverage, at the most affordable cost.