Key reporting resources
Who to call first
- If you suspect fraud with Original Medicare (Parts A/B): call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
- For suspected fraud in Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Drug Plans (Part D): call 1-877-7 SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
- HHS-OIG Fraud Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). TTY: 1-800-377-4950.
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): 1-877-808-2468.
- FTC ReportFraud portal: reportfraud.ftc.gov.
As the live page notes, beneficiaries can also contact their representative or one of these official resources if something seems off.
Common scam types
How they work
- Unsolicited calls or texts pretending to be Medicare and asking for your Medicare number or SSN.
- Fake plan enrollment or “upgrade” offers that push immediate action and personal or bank information.
- Durable medical equipment fraud, where equipment is billed or shipped that was never ordered.
- Medical identity theft or unauthorized use of a Medicare number.
- Billing for services not provided or up-coding.
- “Free” gift or prize offers in exchange for personal information.
- Fake refund or “you owe us” calls.
Red flags
What to tell beneficiaries
- Medicare will not call out of the blue and ask for a Medicare number or SSN.
- Pressure tactics like “act now” or “you will lose benefits” are warning signs.
- No legitimate plan is endorsed by Medicare in the way scammers claim.
- People should review their Medicare Summary Notices and question equipment or services they did not request.
- Keep records of dates of visits and what services were actually provided.