Protecting Your Personal Information: How to Spot Phone and Social Media Scams Targeting Your Medicare Number

by Casey C. Sauter, Mediqwest

As technology evolves, scammers keep finding new ways to steal personal information, especially Medicare and Social Security numbers. Adults 65 and older are often targeted because these benefits are important and time sensitive. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you stay alert and protect your Medicare information.

Why Scammers Want Your Medicare Number

To a criminal, your Medicare number can be as valuable as a credit card. Scammers may use it to bill Medicare for services or equipment you never received, steal your identity, or sell your information to others. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion each year, and many cases begin with stolen Medicare numbers.

Social Security scams are also widespread. In 2023, the Social Security Administration received more than 300,000 reports of scam attempts, many involving fake phone calls claiming that benefits were at risk.

Common Scam Tactics to Watch For

1. Phone Calls Claiming to Be Medicare

Scammers often call and pretend to represent Medicare, Social Security, or a so-called “benefits center.” They may say:

• Your Medicare card is expiring

• You must “verify” your number

• You’re eligible for a new benefit

• Your account will be frozen

Important: Medicare will never call unexpectedly to ask for your Medicare number.

2. Social Media Ads Offering “Free” Benefits

You may see ads on Facebook or Instagram promoting offers such as:

• Free medical equipment

• Free genetic testing

• Free upgraded Medicare cards

• “New” Medicare programs

These ads often lead to forms that ask for your Medicare number. Once that information is submitted, scammers may begin billing Medicare right away.

3. High-Pressure Tactics

Scammers create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Phrases such as “last chance,” “act now,” or “your benefits will stop today” are strong warning signs.

How to Spot a Scam Quickly

• Unexpected contact: If you didn’t call them first, be cautious.

• Requests for personal information: Medicare, Social Security, and legitimate insurance agents will not ask for your Medicare number over unsolicited calls or messages.

• Too-good-to-be-true offers: Free equipment or services rarely come without strings attached.

• Poor spelling or strange wording: Many scam ads and messages contain errors.

What to Do If It Happens

• Hang up immediately. You don’t owe the caller an explanation.

• Do not click links in suspicious social media ads or messages.

• Report the scam: 

- Medicare: 1 800 MEDICARE

- Social Security scams: oig.ssa.gov

• Check your Medicare Summary Notice for unfamiliar charges.

• If your Medicare number was shared, contact Medicare to request a new card.

A Final Word of Confidence

You have earned your Medicare benefits, and with awareness and caution, you can help protect them. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is. Staying informed is one of the best ways to prevent fraud, and every scam you avoid helps reduce it for everyone.