Medicare scams are getting worse in 2026. Scammers target seniors because they know you have Medicare.
They try to steal your Medicare number, your money, and your identity.
The good news is this: you can spot a scam in 30 seconds if you know the warning signs.
Medicare will never call you and ask for your number.
Here are the 4 most common Medicare scams in 2026 and how to protect yourself.
- Red Flag #1: The Fake Medicare Card Scam
- Red Flag #2: The “Free Medical Equipment” Scam
- Red Flag #3: The Genetic Testing Scam
- Red Flag #4: The Medicare Open Enrollment Scam
- 3 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From All Medicare Scams
- What To Do If You Were Scammed
- Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Scams in 2026
- 1. Will Medicare ever call me?
- 2. Is my new Medicare card free?
- 3. What should I do if I gave my Medicare number to a scammer?
- 4. Are “free” medical equipment offers real?
- 5. How can I check if someone used my Medicare number?
- 6. What is the official Medicare website?
- 7. Can I get in trouble if a scammer uses my number?
- Final Thoughts
Red Flag #1: The Fake Medicare Card Scam
This is the #1 scam right now. It starts with a phone call or text message.
How The Scam Works
A scammer calls and says: “Hi, this is Medicare. We are sending you a new red, white, and blue Medicare card.
We just need to verify your Medicare number and address to mail it.”
They sound official. They may even know your name.
The Warning Signs
1. **Medicare never calls you** about new cards unless you called them first.
2. **They ask for your Medicare number.** Your real card already has it.
3. **They ask for payment.** Medicare cards are always free. There is never a fee.
What To Do Instead
Hang up immediately. Do not give any information.
If you think you need a new card, call 1-800-MEDICARE at 1-800-633-4227. That is the only real number.
Red Flag #2: The “Free Medical Equipment” Scam
This scam promises you free braces, wheelchairs, or glucose monitors.
How The Scam Works
You get a call saying: “You qualify for a free knee brace. Medicare will cover 100%.
We just need your Medicare number to ship it to you.”
A few weeks later, a cheap brace shows up. Then you get bills from Medicare for thousands of dollars.
The Warning Signs
1. **It sounds too good to be true.** Nothing from Medicare is 100% free without a doctor’s order.
2. **They contact you first.** Real medical companies do not call you out of the blue.
3. **They pressure you.** “This offer expires today” is a common line.
What To Do Instead
Say no. Medicare only pays for equipment that your doctor says you need.
Talk to your doctor first. Then use a supplier that Medicare approves.
Red Flag #3: The Genetic Testing Scam
This is a new scam in 2026. It uses DNA tests as bait.
How The Scam Works
Someone at a health fair or on the phone offers you a “free” cancer genetic test.
They say: “Medicare pays for it. We just need to swab your cheek and get your Medicare number.”
They send the test. Medicare gets billed $9,000. You never get results.
The Warning Signs
1. **Free tests at parking lots or community centers.** Real labs do not do this.
2. **They ask for your Medicare number and a cheek swab on the spot.**
3. **No doctor is involved.** Your doctor must order any test that Medicare covers.
What To Do Instead
Do not give a cheek swab to a stranger.
If your doctor thinks you need genetic testing, they will order it and send you to a real lab.
Red Flag #4: The Medicare Open Enrollment Scam
This happens every fall between October 15 and December 7.
How The Scam Works
A scammer calls and says: “This is Medicare. Because of new 2026 laws, you must change your plan now.
If you don’t, you will lose coverage. I can help you over the phone.”
They ask for your Medicare number, bank info, and credit card to “process” the change.
The Warning Signs
1. **Threats.** Medicare will never threaten to cancel your coverage.
2. **Asking for bank or credit card info.** Medicare does not take payment over the phone.
3. **High-pressure sales.** You have weeks to choose a plan. No one needs to rush you.
What To Do Instead
Hang up. During open enrollment, only talk to plans you called yourself.
Or get free help from 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Program, also called SHIP.
3 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From All Medicare Scams
1. Protect Your Medicare Card
Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Do not carry it with you unless you have a doctor’s appointment.
Do not give your number over the phone to anyone you did not call.
2. Review Your Medicare Summary Notice
Every 3 months, Medicare mails you a “Medicare Summary Notice.”
Read it. It shows what Medicare paid for.
If you see a charge for something you did not get, call 1-800-MEDICARE right away.
3. Use the Official Medicare Website
The only real website is `Medicare.gov`.
Bookmark it. Do not click links in emails or texts about Medicare. They are often fake.
What To Do If You Were Scammed
Do not feel embarrassed. These scams are very smart.
Do these 3 things right away:
1. **Call 1-800-MEDICARE** to report it. 1-800-633-4227
2. **Call the Inspector General** at 1-800-447-8477
3. **Monitor your credit** at AnnualCreditReport.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Scams in 2026
1. Will Medicare ever call me?
No. Medicare will never call you to ask for your Medicare number, bank info, or personal details.
If you get a call claiming to be from Medicare, hang up. It is a scam.
2. Is my new Medicare card free?
Yes. All new Medicare cards are 100% free. Medicare will mail it to you automatically.
Anyone who asks you to pay for a new card is a scammer.
3. What should I do if I gave my Medicare number to a scammer?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE right away at 1-800-633-4227.
Tell them what happened. They will help you protect your account and watch for fraud.
You should also report it to the Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477.
4. Are “free” medical equipment offers real?
Most of the time, no. Medicare only pays for equipment that your doctor says you need.
If a company calls you about free braces or wheelchairs, it is a scam. Talk to your doctor first.
5. How can I check if someone used my Medicare number?
Every 3 months Medicare sends you a “Medicare Summary Notice” in the mail.
Look at it carefully. If you see a service or equipment you did not get, call 1-800-MEDICARE immediately.
6. What is the official Medicare website?
The only official website is www.Medicare.gov.
Do not trust other websites. Do not click Medicare links in emails or text messages.
7. Can I get in trouble if a scammer uses my number?
No, you will not get in trouble. But you should report it fast.
Reporting helps stop the scammer and protects your Medicare benefits.
Final Thoughts
Remember this one rule: Medicare will never call you and ask for your Medicare number.
If someone does, it is a scam. Hang up.
Stay alert in 2026. Share this post with your friends and family.
Scammers stop when we all know their tricks.
Have questions? Contact us through our Contact Us page. We are here to help seniors stay safe.
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