Medicare open enrollment may have just ended, but our office wants to warn consumers that Medicare scams can happen at any time!
Medicare scams are often a form of an imposter scam, where criminals pretend to be contacting you from Medicare or another official business, and attempt to trick consumers into sharing their personal information. Scammers might reach out by phone, mail, email, social media message, or text. Often, they use technology to spoof the phone number they are calling from to look like Medicare, they may know some information about you and may try to threaten to cancel your coverage if you do not provide them with information.
Be aware that criminals may try different tactics and be sure to report potential Medicare Card Scams if:
Someone calls you claiming:
- You are getting a new, plastic Medicare card.
- Medicare is switching to a card with chip in it.
- It’s a new year so you need a new card.
- You need a black and white card.
- They need your Medicare number to see if you have received your new one yet.
- They need you to verify your Medicare number so they can confirm you have the correct Medicare card.
Remember - Medicare doesn’t call people unexpectedly and ask for your Medicare number or financial information!
If you have been contacted by someone who is requesting your Medicare card number or information, or you believe that there is an issue with your Medicare card, hang up and contact Medicare directly by using the phone number shown on the back of your card.
Also, be alert for warning signs and report suspected fraud! Medical identity theft is a serious crime that happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit Medicare fraud, insurance fraud, or other crimes.
Per the National Council on Aging, “In February 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged a North Carolina man with conspiracy to launder $3 million as part of a shocking Medicare scam. Together with his “business partner,” the man submitted over $100 million in false medical equipment claims during the course of just four months. Separately, a federal grand jury indicted two Texas residents who conspired to file more than $359 million in fraudulent genetic testing claims to Medicare.
Sadly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. In 2024 alone, the U.S. Department of Justice identified and charged dozens of criminals with Medicare fraud totaling billions of dollars.”
If you think you have been scammed or have questions about avoiding or reporting Medicare fraud, please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance. The Erie County Office of Consumer Protection can be reached by phone at 716-858-1987 or via email to consumerprotection@erie.gov. Consumer Protection complaints can also be submitted through our website.
Resources:
AARP - Avoid Medicare Card Scams
CMS.gov Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Crushing Fraud, Waste, & Abuse
Erie County Division of Consumer Protection - That's not Medicare calling... Watch out for Phone Scams and Spoofing!
Federal Communications Commission - Older Americans and Medicare Call Scams
Medicare.gov –
National Council on Aging – 5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam—and How to Protect Yourself
New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General - About Medicaid Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
New York StateWide Senior Action Council - About Senior Medicare Patrol
