Medicare ID Theft: How to Protect Yourself
🚨 Report Fraud Immediately
If you suspect Medicare fraud or identity theft:
1-800-447-8477
Medicare Fraud Hotline (available 24/7)
Warning Signs of Medicare Fraud
- ⚠️ Claims for services or equipment you didn't receive
- ⚠️ Bills from doctors you've never seen
- ⚠️ Duplicate charges for the same service
- ⚠️ Being billed for more expensive services than you received
- ⚠️ Someone asking for your Medicare number unexpectedly
- ⚠️ Offers for "free" services in exchange for your Medicare number
- ⚠️ Changes to your Medicare account you didn't make
How to Protect Your Medicare Number
✓ Do This
- • Guard your Medicare number like a credit card number
- • Only give it to doctors, pharmacists, and insurers you trust
- • Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) carefully
- • Shred old Medicare documents before throwing away
- • Log into Medicare.gov regularly to check for suspicious activity
✗ Never Do This
- • Don't give your number to door-to-door salespeople
- • Don't share it over the phone unless you initiated the call
- • Don't let someone borrow your Medicare card
- • Don't accept "free" offers that require your Medicare number
- • Don't respond to unsolicited calls about Medicare benefits
What to Do If You're a Victim
- 1
Report to Medicare
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and report the suspected fraud.
- 2
Call the Fraud Hotline
Report to the OIG Fraud Hotline: 1-800-447-8477
- 3
Request a New Medicare Number
If your number was stolen, you can request a new Medicare number through Social Security (1-800-772-1213).
- 4
Check Your Credit Report
Medicare fraud can lead to identity theft. Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
- 5
Document Everything
Keep records of all fraudulent charges, who you spoke with, and reference numbers.
Common Medicare Scams
Fake Medicare representatives
Scammers pose as Medicare agents and call or visit to "verify" your information. Medicare will never call you unsolicited asking for your Medicare number.
"Free" medical equipment offers
Companies offer free back braces, knee braces, or other equipment in exchange for your Medicare number. This is often fraud — they bill Medicare for equipment you don't need.
DNA/genetic testing scams
Offers for "free" genetic testing at health fairs or by mail. Scammers use your Medicare number to bill for unnecessary tests.
New Medicare card scams
Callers claim you need a new Medicare card and ask for personal information. Medicare doesn't call to update cards — they mail new cards automatically.
📞 Important Phone Numbers
Medicare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-447-8477
Medicare: 1-800-633-4227
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
FTC Identity Theft: 1-877-438-4338