Staying protected in retirement shouldn’t require detective work, but scammers have turned Medicare beneficiaries into prime targets. AARP reports a surge in sophisticated tactics designed to steal Medicare numbers, personal data, and hard-earned benefits. The good news? Awareness is your biggest shield.
Below are the most common scams hitting seniors today — and exactly how to stay one step ahead.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Medicare Beneficiaries
1. Fake “New” or “Upgraded” Medicare Card Scams
This is one of AARP’s most frequently reported schemes. Scammers call, email, or knock on doors claiming Medicare is issuing a new plastic card, a chip-enabled card, or a COVID-era special edition card.
They’ll ask you to “confirm” your Medicare number, Social Security number, or payment information.
Truth: Medicare only issues paper cards. You never need to pay for one.
Source: AARP Fraud Watch Network
2. “Free” Braces, Medical Equipment, or Genetic Testing
Fraudsters push offers like:
- Free knee/arm/back braces
- Free COVID tests
- Free DNA or genetic cancer screening
All they need? Your Medicare number.
Once they have it, they bill Medicare for bogus, overpriced, or never-delivered items.
Source: AARP & Senior Medicare Patrol
3. Telehealth & Wellness Call Scams
Scammers pose as telehealth providers offering “virtual wellness visits,” “balance assessments,” or “at-home diagnostic testing.”
Your Medicare number becomes the entry ticket for massive fraudulent billing.
Source: AARP Fraud Trends 2024–2025
4. Government Impersonator Scams
Some scammers pretend to be from:
- Medicare
- Social Security
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
They may threaten:
- Coverage cancellation
- Account suspension
- New “mandatory updates”
Fact: Medicare will never call you asking for personal information, banking details, or login credentials.
Source: AARP Impostor Scam Alerts
5. Phantom Billing (Fraud You Never See Coming)
Even if you never give out your Medicare number, fraud can happen behind the scenes.
Criminals steal or buy patient data and bill Medicare for:
- Medical equipment
- Home health services
- Hospice care
- Mental health therapy
…even if the patient never received any of it.
Source: Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Fraud Case Summaries
How to Protect Yourself (And Your Loved Ones)
AARP and SMP recommend several high-impact precautions:
• Never give personal information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Hang up. Delete the email. Close the door.
• Verify directly with Medicare using official numbers.
Use 1-800-MEDICARE or the number on the back of your card.
• Review your Medicare Summary Notices regularly.
If you see strange charges, equipment you didn’t order, or services you never received, report it immediately.
• Be skeptical of “free” anything.
If your doctor didn’t order it, it’s a sales pitch — not healthcare.
• Report suspected fraud ASAP.
Senior Medicare Patrol hotline: 1-877-808-2468
Why Scammers Target Seniors
AARP notes that older adults are targeted because they’re more likely to have:
- Active Medicare coverage
- Predictable benefits
- Trust in authority figures
- Less familiarity with aggressive digital scams
This combo makes seniors an appealing demographic for criminals who thrive on confusion, urgency, and official-sounding language.
A Final Word
Your Medicare benefits are too valuable to leave unguarded. Staying informed is the most powerful form of protection.
At Powanda Insurance Agency, I make Medicare simple, and I’m here to help you navigate anything that feels confusing, suspicious, or “off.” If you get a strange call, a questionable offer, or a letter that doesn’t look right, reach out. I’ll review it with you and make sure your coverage stays safe.
You deserve peace of mind, clarity, and confidence. Not scam anxiety
