Medicare and Social Security are two of the most impersonated organizations in the country. Scammers use them because almost every senior interacts with both — and because the threat of losing benefits is frightening enough to make people act without thinking. Here is what these scams look like and how to stop them.
Social Security Scams
The Suspended Number Call
The most common Social Security scam starts with a robocall or live caller claiming that your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, criminal involvement, or identity theft. They say you must call back immediately to resolve the issue or you will lose your benefits or be arrested.
This call is always a scam. Social Security does not suspend Social Security numbers, does not threaten arrest over the phone, and does not call you to demand immediate action.
What to Do
Hang up. If you are genuinely concerned about your account, call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 — the number on the official Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov). Do not call back any number the caller gave you.
You can also check your Social Security account online at ssa.gov to see your benefits and any official notices.
Medicare Scams
The Free Equipment or Testing Call
A caller offers you a free item — a back brace, a knee brace, a diabetes testing kit, genetic testing — at no cost to you. All they need is your Medicare number. They frame it as a benefit you are entitled to.
Once they have your number, they bill Medicare for equipment you never received, often for thousands of dollars. You may not find out until Medicare sends you an Explanation of Benefits showing charges you do not recognize.
Medicare will never call you unsolicited to offer free equipment. If you did not initiate the contact, the offer is fraudulent.
The New Medicare Card Scam
A caller says Medicare is issuing new cards and asks you to confirm your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account information to receive yours.
Medicare does periodically issue updated cards, but it does so by mail — not by phone — and it will never ask you to provide your Medicare number to get a new one.
Protecting Your Medicare Number
Treat your Medicare card like a credit card:
- Do not give your number to anyone who calls you
- Only share it with providers you visit in person for care you actually received
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (or Explanation of Benefits) for charges you do not recognize
If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov.
How to Tell a Real Call From a Scam
Real government agencies follow specific rules:
| Real agency behavior | Scam behavior |
|---|---|
| Sends official notices by mail | Calls you out of the blue |
| Never demands immediate action | Creates artificial urgency |
| Never threatens arrest over the phone | Threatens arrest or benefit suspension |
| Never asks you to pay by gift card | Demands gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto |
| Never asks for your Social Security number by phone | Asks you to confirm sensitive numbers |
If a call does not match the left column, hang up.
Reporting These Scams
Reporting matters — it helps law enforcement track the networks running these operations and can prevent the same scam from reaching someone else.
- Social Security scams: Report to the SSA Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271
- Medicare fraud: Report to 1-800-MEDICARE or at oig.hhs.gov
- All scams: Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Where to Learn More
- Social Security Administration — Scam Information — ssa.gov/scam Official guidance from SSA on what real communications look like and how to report impersonators.
- Medicare Fraud Resources — medicare.gov/basics/fraud-and-abuse How to recognize, report, and protect yourself from Medicare fraud.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network — aarp.org/money/scams-fraud Current scam alerts and a free helpline staffed by fraud specialists.