How to Protect Your Medicare Number From Scammers

Your Medicare number is one of the most valuable things a scammer can get, and Medicare number scams are built to steal it. Here is how to protect your Medicare number. It doesn’t empty your bank account directly. Instead, it lets criminals bill Medicare in your name for equipment, tests or services you never received. This guide explains the common tricks, how to spot false charges and who can help.

For a quick plan when a “Medicare” call is in progress, see what to do in the first five minutes. For an overview, see our guide to Medicare and health insurance scams.

Why is your Medicare number valuable to scammers?

A Medicare number works like a credit card number for health care. With it, a dishonest company can bill Medicare for services that were never provided. In a May 2026 consumer alert, the FTC said fraud, errors and abuse cost Medicare about $60 billion a year.

For you, the damage can be personal. The FTC warns that Medicare fraud can contribute to medical identity theft, loss of benefits and higher medical costs. Someone else’s treatments can end up in your records, and a stolen number can be used again and again.

What are the most common Medicare scams?

The FTC gives several examples: providers charging for a back brace you didn’t get or need, fake Medicare drug plans, and scammers asking you to “confirm” your Medicare number, which they then use to commit hospice fraud. Watch for:

• “Free” equipment. Braces, supplies or devices “covered by Medicare,” if you just share your number.
• “New card” calls. A caller says Medicare is issuing new cards and you must verify your number.
• Plan pitches. Pushy calls to switch plans, especially during Open Enrollment. Read about Medicare Open Enrollment scams.
• Threats. A caller says your benefits will be cancelled unless you act now.

EXAMPLE — SCAM

Today 2:30 PM●●● ▮

Incoming call (866) 555-0134

Caller: Good afternoon! I’m calling from Senior Health Supply. Because you’re on Medicare, you qualify for a knee brace at no cost to you — Medicare covers it 100%.

Caller: I just need to confirm your Medicare number and your doctor’s name, and we’ll ship it out today. Do you have your red, white and blue card handy?

Medicare.gov is clear on the basics: Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at home. Don’t share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you by phone, email or in person unless you contacted them first and gave them permission. If someone calls asking for your information or money, or threatens to cancel your benefits, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Who should have your Medicare number?

Medicare.gov says to give your Medicare number only to:

• Your doctors and other health care providers.
• Your insurance companies or health plans, and their licensed agents or brokers.
• People you trust who work with Medicare, such as your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Keep your card in a safe place. The FTC also suggests storing Medicare and Social Security cards and other documents with personal information securely, and shredding them before you throw them away.

How do you spot fraud on your Medicare statement?

Your statements are your best early-warning system. Medicare.gov suggests comparing the dates and services on your calendar with the Medicare statements you get, to make sure you received each service listed and that the details are correct. Look for:

• Equipment or supplies you never ordered.
• Tests, visits or services you didn’t receive.
• Services on dates you weren’t seen.
• Providers you don’t recognize.

A secure Medicare.gov account lets you view Original Medicare claims as soon as they’re processed, so you can spot problems sooner than waiting for a statement in the mail.

Who can help you check a suspicious charge?

If something looks off, start by asking your provider’s office or your plan to explain it. The FTC suggests doing this whenever you spot mistakes or inconsistencies.

For free, independent help, call your Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468. Senior Medicare Patrols help people with Medicare spot and report fraud, errors and abuse.

How do you report Medicare fraud?

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or report fraud online at Medicare.gov.
• Medicare Advantage or drug plan fraud: the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (I-MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
• HHS Office of Inspector General: online at oig.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
• Medical identity theft: tell your provider or plan, and report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan. See our guide to what to do after identity theft.

Scammers who want your Medicare number often pose as Social Security, too. Read our guide to Social Security scams. If you paid anyone or shared bank details, follow our first-hour checklist after a scam, and see how to report a scam call.