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Medicare scams tend to show up every fall. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, and scammers hope you feel rushed. The FTC and Medicare.gov warn about a handful of tricks. Each one has an easy answer.
Medicare Scams During Open Enrollment: The Red Flags
Does Medicare ever call to sell you a plan?
Not by Medicare’s own account. Medicare.gov says Medicare will not call you to sell anything, and it will not show up at your door. The FTC says Medicare will never contact you out of the blue by call, email, text, or social media. Caller ID can be faked. Don’t trust a number just because it looks official.
What do Medicare scams sound like?
Some callers say your Medicare card is out of date. The FTC says real cards are free and arrive by mail on their own. Others mention a medical equipment claim you can’t place. Whatever the story, the ask is the same. They want your Medicare number, your bank details, or a card number.
Can a search ad fool you?
It can. The FTC’s September 2026 alert says paid search ads and look-alike web addresses can rank above official sites. Skip the ad. Type the site name yourself, and look for .gov at the end.
Where to Report Medicare Scams and Get Free Help
Who do you call to check a call?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify a call or report an impersonator. Then file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Who can help you pick a plan for free?
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, offers free plan counseling. Senior Medicare Patrols focus on fraud. The FTC lists 1-877-808-2468 for a local patrol.
What if you already gave out your number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and report it to the FTC. Then look over your Medicare statements for services you did not get.
What should you do before you pick a plan?
Look the plan up on Medicare.gov yourself. Check it against your drugs and your doctors. Walk away from any offer that expires today. A real plan will still be there tomorrow.
Editor’s Take
The best defense against Medicare scams is a slow one. Scammers want a quick yes on the phone. Open Enrollment does not require one, since the window runs to December 7. If you need help, call a SHIP counselor yourself rather than answering a stranger’s call.
Our guide to government impersonation scams covers what to do if you already paid.
