✔ Backed by: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Medicare.gov · State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 [1]. It is a busy season. Mailboxes fill up with plan flyers, TV ads run nonstop, and the phone rings more than usual. The Federal Trade Commission warns about Medicare Open Enrollment scams. Scammers get more active every year during this time. They are after your money, your information, or both [1].
Scams are not a sign that someone is careless or “not sharp.” Scammers are skilled. They often sound professional, and some already know bits of your personal information [1]. That can make a fake call feel very real. The good news is that a few simple habits can protect your Medicare number, your money, and your peace of mind.
Spot Medicare Open Enrollment scams: know what Medicare will not do
The best defense is knowing how the real Medicare works. Medicare will never call you to sell you anything, and it will not come to your home [2]. Real Medicare staff will not call, text, or email you out of the blue. They will not ask for your numbers or a payment [1]. Medicare only asks you to confirm information if you contacted them first [1].
A common trick is a caller who says you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card. Then they ask for your Medicare number, bank account, or credit card number [1]. Here is the truth: real Medicare cards are free and are mailed to you automatically [1]. You never have to pay for one.
Another trick is a fake caller ID. Your phone may show “Medicare” on the screen, but caller ID can be faked [1]. So the name on your screen does not prove anything.
The “hang up and call back” habit
If someone calls saying they are from Medicare, you do not have to argue or explain. Just hang up. Then call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself, using a number you know is real [1].
It can feel rude to hang up on someone. But a real organization will understand, and a scammer is counting on you to stay polite. You can say: “I don’t give out my information on calls I didn’t make. I’ll call Medicare directly.” Then end the call.
Tru-Tips: If an older parent or neighbor lives alone, practice the “hang up and call back” line together out loud. Saying it once in a calm moment makes it much easier to say when a pushy caller is on the line.
Guard your Medicare number like a credit card
Your Medicare number is valuable to scammers. Be careful with your Medicare card, Medicare number, Social Security card, and Social Security number. Share them only with your doctor or people who should have it. That includes insurers acting for you or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor [2].
Medicare also warns against three other risky moves. Do not join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you made the call and asked for help. Do not accept money or gifts in exchange for “free” medical care. And do not let anyone except your doctor or other Medicare providers review your medical records or recommend services [2].
For example, imagine someone at a community event offers a “free” back brace or test kit. All you have to do is share your Medicare number. That is a red flag. Real care starts with your own doctor.
Get plan help from a trusted source
You do not need a stranger on the phone to help you compare plans. Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE have coverage information [1]. Your local SHIP is another great choice. SHIP counselors offer free, one-on-one Medicare help with enrollment, coverage, and costs [3]. They can help you compare costs, review coverage, and check provider networks. The help is confidential and unbiased [3].
To find your local SHIP, visit shiphelp.org and click “Find Your SHIP,” or call 877-839-2675 [3]. It can help to call early in Open Enrollment, before appointment slots fill up.
Check your statements and report Medicare Open Enrollment scams
Fraud can raise health care costs for everyone [2], so checking your own claims helps more than just you. Compare the dates and services on your Medicare statements with your calendar. Make sure you really got each service. If something looks wrong, call the provider’s office [2]. You can also make a secure Medicare.gov account to see Original Medicare claims as soon as they are processed. That can help you spot mistakes sooner [2].
If you think something is fraud, you have several places to report it. Here is a short list to keep handy [2][1]:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- The HHS Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov
- The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Your local Senior Medicare Patrol at smpresource.org, for help with fraud, errors, or abuse
Do you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan? Then you can also call the I-MEDIC at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379) [2]. If you think someone is using your personal information, you can report identity theft at identitytheft.gov [2]. Reporting is not “making a fuss.” It helps stop scammers before they reach someone else.
Let’s talk about it
Have you or someone you know gotten a suspicious Medicare call or letter? What gave it away? Share your story in the comments, without any personal details, so others can spot the same tricks.
One Tru Step: Write “Medicare will not call me. I hang up and call 1-800-633-4227.” on a sticky note and put it near your phone.
Sources and further reading
- Federal Trade Commission — Medicare Open Enrollment scam alert
- Medicare.gov — Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Sources checked October 15, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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