How to Avoid Medicare Scams This Fall
Medicare open enrollment is almost here — and unfortunately, so are the scammers. Aging adults are frequent targets this time of year, with fraudsters posing as Medicare representatives or creating convincing stories to trick people into giving away sensitive information.
Whether you’re navigating Medicare yourself or helping a parent, grandparent, or loved one, staying alert can make all the difference. Below are the most common scams — and how to protect yourself or a loved one from them.
Medicare-Related Scams
1. Enrollment & “Better Plan” Scams
Fraudsters call pretending to be Medicare representatives offering to enroll you in a “better” plan. They may pressure you for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking details.
→ Prevention: Medicare will never call unexpectedly to sell you a plan. Verify options directly through Medicare.gov or work with a trusted local broker such as Medicare Whisperers or Medicare Simplified KC.
2. “New Medicare Card” or Fake Refunds
Scammers may claim Medicare is issuing new cards (sometimes with a chip) or that you’re owed a refund. Both are attempts to collect personal information.
→ Prevention: Medicare cards are issued automatically and refunds are processed without a phone call. If in doubt, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE to check.
3. Free Medical Equipment or Testing
Calls offering “free” braces, wheelchairs, cancer screenings, or genetic tests are common scams. They lead to fraudulent billing and sometimes identity theft.
→ Prevention: Only accept medical equipment or tests ordered by your doctor.
Phone & Online Scams
4. Government Impersonation Calls
Scammers may pose as Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS, threatening to cut off benefits unless you act immediately.
→ Prevention: No government agency will ever call and demand payment. Hang up immediately. You can report these calls to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or to the Social Security Administration’s fraud line (1-800-269-0271).
5. Phishing Emails & Fake Websites
Emails may look like they’re from Medicare, urging you to click a link to “verify” or “update” your information. Clicking can install malware or lead to a fake website.
→ Prevention: Never click on links from senders you don’t recognize. Look closely at the email address — random numbers, misspelled names, or unofficial domains are red flags. Only trust websites ending in “.gov” (these are official government sites). If in doubt, type the web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.
6. Tech Support Pop-Ups
A window may suddenly appear on your screen saying your computer is infected, asking you to call a number or allow remote access.
→ Prevention: Do not call the number or give access. Close the window immediately. If you’re concerned, contact a trusted local computer repair service.
Financial & Emotional Manipulation Scams
7. The “Grandparent Scam”
You receive a call claiming to be a grandchild in trouble (“I’m in jail, send money!”). These scammers use fear and urgency to bypass your judgment.
→ Prevention: Pause and verify with another family member before acting. Consider telling the caller: “I’m going to connect my son/daughter to this call” — even if you don’t have one. Scammers will likely push back, which is your clue to hang up.
8. Romance Scams
Fraudsters build online relationships with aging adults, eventually requesting money.
→ Prevention: Be cautious with online relationships. Never send money or personal details to someone you’ve never met in person and verified.
9. Fake Charities
Especially around the holidays, scammers pose as charities asking for donations.
→ Prevention: Verify organizations at CharityNavigator.org. If someone pressures you to donate immediately, it’s likely a scam.
Home & Lifestyle Scams
10. Home Repair Scams
Scammers may show up offering low-cost repairs, demand large upfront payments, and disappear.
→ Prevention: Always ask for references and check them. Use licensed contractors and never pay in full upfront.
11. Sweepstakes or Investment Scams
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Fraudsters may claim you’ve won money but need to pay a fee to collect it, or push “guaranteed” investments.
→ Prevention: Legitimate lotteries never require payment. Consult a trusted financial advisor before considering investments.
Universal Prevention Tips
Guard your numbers: Treat your Medicare, Social Security, and bank account numbers like cash. Don’t share them over the phone.
Don’t click unknown links: Always double-check email senders. If it looks odd, don’t click.
Shred documents: Keep medical records, bank statements, and receipts for seven years; shred anything older.
Strengthen your passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a secure password manager.
Loop in family: Say things like, “I’m going to connect my daughter/son to this call.” If the person pressures you not to, hang up.
Don’t be rushed: Scammers create urgency. Slow down and ask questions.
Use call-blocking tools: Or let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
Work with a trusted broker: Medicare brokers like Medicare Whisperers and Medicare Simplified KC are trained in hundreds of plans, advocate for you year-round, and are typically free of charge.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are clever, but you and your loved ones can stay one step ahead. If you’re making Medicare decisions this fall, lean on trusted professionals, take your time, and never share personal information with someone you don’t know.
If you thought of a loved one while reading this, please share this article with them. I have also created a downloadable PDF checklist of common scams & prevention strategies so you can print and pass it along to someone who might benefit from it.
Staying informed — and staying connected — is the best defense against scams this season.
