Government & Official Impersonation
Medicare card and enrollment calls
Callers claim to be from Medicare offering a 'new card,' a plan upgrade, or free medical equipment or genetic testing — they just need to 'verify' your Medicare number. These calls spike during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) but happen all year. Real Medicare does not call to sell plans or ask for your number, and stolen numbers get used to bill fake charges in your name.
What it looks like
Example scam message“This is the Medicare enrollment center. Your new card is ready to mail, but first we must verify the number on your current red, white, and blue card.”
Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.
Red flags to watch for
- A caller asking for your Medicare number or Social Security number.
- Offers of 'free' back braces, genetic tests, or medical gadgets billed to Medicare.
- Claims that you need a new Medicare card or your benefits will stop.
- High-pressure plan sales calls during open enrollment.
What to do
- Hang up. Medicare will not call you to ask for your number.
- Guard your Medicare number like a credit card number.
- Compare or change plans only at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
- Check your Medicare statements for services you never received, and report anything odd.
Where to report it
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.