Scam category
Medicare and health scams
Medicare and health scams target seniors and the uninsured during open enrollment periods. Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, offer free genetic testing kits, or promise lower premiums in exchange for your Medicare number. Once they have it, they bill for services never rendered or sell your identity on the black market.
Category activity
“Medicare scam”
↑ 71%Watch for
- An unsolicited caller asks for your Medicare number to issue a new card or verify your identity.
- You are offered free medical equipment or genetic testing in exchange for your insurance details.
- The caller pressures you to enroll immediately or lose coverage, outside the official enrollment window.
Common searches
OpenScam News Feed
Medicare card replacement scam
Scammers call Medicare beneficiaries claiming they need a new Medicare card and requesting their Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details to process the replacement.
Know that Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number or personal information
Seniors
U.S.
Medicare open enrollment impersonator scam
During Medicare open enrollment periods, scammers pose as insurance agents or Medicare representatives to switch beneficiaries to plans that pay the scammer higher commissions but offer worse coverage.
Compare plans yourself using the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for free help
Seniors
U.S.
genetic testing kit Medicare scam
Scammers offer free genetic or cancer screening tests at events, by phone, or door-to-door, then bill Medicare for expensive tests the beneficiary did not need or consent to.
Never provide your Medicare number to someone offering unsolicited genetic testing
Seniors
U.S.
durable medical equipment Medicare scam
Scammers contact Medicare beneficiaries offering free back braces, knee braces, or wheelchairs, then bill Medicare for expensive equipment the patient does not need.
Only obtain durable medical equipment through a prescription from your treating physician
Seniors
U.S.
prescription discount card scam
Scammers market fake prescription discount cards that charge fees, collect personal health data, and provide no real savings at the pharmacy counter.
Use legitimate free prescription comparison tools like Medicare.gov Plan Finder or GoodRx
Seniors
U.S.
Medicare Advantage unauthorized switch scam
Scammers enroll Medicare beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage plans without their knowledge or consent by using personal information obtained through deceptive calls.
Review your Medicare Summary Notices regularly and report any unfamiliar plan enrollments immediately
Seniors
U.S.
fake nurse home visit scam
Scammers posing as home health nurses show up at seniors' homes claiming Medicare sent them, then steal personal information, medications, or valuables.
Never let anyone into your home for a medical visit unless your doctor arranged it and you received advance notice
Seniors
U.S.
health insurance marketplace phishing scam
Phishing emails and fake websites impersonate Healthcare.gov or state marketplace sites to steal personal information and financial data during enrollment periods.
Always navigate directly to Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace — never click enrollment links in emails
Patients
U.S.
Medicaid eligibility check scam
Scammers contact people claiming to verify Medicaid eligibility, collect personal and financial data, and use it to commit identity theft or file fraudulent Medicaid claims.
Contact your state Medicaid office directly using the number on your Medicaid card or Medicaid.gov to verify eligibility
Patients
U.S.
telehealth prescription scam
Fraudulent telehealth operations prescribe unnecessary medications or treatments after sham consultations, then bill insurance for inflated costs or sell patient data.
Use only telehealth services affiliated with licensed healthcare systems or recommended by your physician
Patients
U.S.
Related categories