Medicare scams are surging in 2025, targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated tactics that put their identities, finances, and healthcare access at risk. With over 67 million people enrolled in Medicare, fraudsters are finding new ways to exploit the system and deceive beneficiaries. If you or a loved one are on Medicare, staying informed is your first line of defense.
In this article, we break down eight of the most common Medicare scams happening right now and give you clear steps to protect yourself and report fraud before it causes lasting damage.
1. The “New Medicare Card” Scam
Scammers may contact you claiming that you need a new Medicare card to stay covered. They’ll request personal details like your Medicare ID or Social Security number to “verify your identity.”
What to know: Medicare will never call or email you to issue a new card. If you need a replacement, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
2. Fake Medicare Cancellation Threats
In this scam, someone posing as a Medicare agent tells you your benefits are being canceled unless you confirm personal details or make a payment.
What to know: Medicare does not cancel coverage over the phone or request payments via unsolicited calls. Always check your status by contacting Medicare directly.
3. Bogus Plan Upgrade or Discount Offers
Some scammers offer too-good-to-be-true deals on Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental coverage, asking for sensitive info to “enroll” you.
What to know: Real plan changes go through verified agents or Medicare’s website. Never give financial or personal data to unsolicited callers.
4. Fake Refund or Rebate Offers
You may be told you’re owed a refund on a prescription, service, or device — but must first “verify” your Medicare or bank info to receive it.
What to know: Medicare will not ask for personal info to issue a refund. Any actual reimbursements will be processed through official billing statements.
5. Free or Discounted Equipment Scams
Offers for “free” back braces, genetic testing, or diabetic supplies are often scams to collect your Medicare number and file false claims.
What to know: If it’s truly free, it won’t require your Medicare number or credit card. Talk to your doctor before accepting any unsolicited medical products.
6. Telehealth Billing Fraud
Some fraudulent providers exploit telehealth by billing Medicare for appointments that didn’t happen or services that weren’t needed.
What to know: Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and look for unfamiliar charges. If something looks off, report it.
7. Hospice Care Abuse
Fraudsters may bill Medicare for hospice care you or a loved one didn’t receive, or pressure enrollment into hospice services when not appropriate.
What to know: Only patients with terminal diagnoses should be eligible. Verify all hospice enrollments and services with your provider and Medicare.
8. Phantom or Inflated Medical Bills
Dishonest providers may bill for services never performed, or upcode services to get paid more.
What to know: Request itemized medical bills and cross-check them with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to confirm accuracy.
How to Report Medicare Scams
If you suspect a Medicare scam:
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it directly.
Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for help.
Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
Monitor your Medicare claims regularly at Medicare.gov.
How to Protect Yourself
Never share your Medicare or Social Security number with unsolicited callers or strangers.
Always verify providers, plans, and equipment offers through Medicare or your doctor.
Shred sensitive documents and review Medicare statements closely.
Be skeptical of anyone offering money, upgrades, or freebies in exchange for personal info.
For more help spotting errors, check out our guide to common medical billing errors.
