Plain English. On your phone. No cost, no catch. From Joel — a software engineer and licensed Medicare Educator (NPN: 21266382) who sees exactly how these scams work.
- Joel
I'll send it to your phone and your email -- that way it's in two safe places and you won't have to go hunting for it later. (The text usually lands first)
Yes, text/email me my checklist and occasional Medicare safety tips. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply Stop to opt out.
Save this screen or check your texts (for a link). Go through it when you have a quiet minute -- it takes about two minutes.
"This is Medicare Calling..." -- it almost never is
Medicare will not call you out of the blue to sell you anything, "verify" your number, or offer you a card. If they did the calling and they're asking you for your number -- HANG UP
Guard Your Medicare Number like a credit card
Only share your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) with your doctor, your plan, or your licensed agent (don't be afraid to ask for their NPN number). Don't carry your card unless your have an appointment -- keep it locked up at home. (if it's ever exposed, Medicare can issue you a new number.)
"Free" stuff that needs your number is bait
Free braces, free genetic-testing kits, free "flex cards", a free new card -- if they need your Medicare or bank number to send it, it's a hook. Watch for scam texts from shortcode 42474 about a "new card" or "benefits update" with a link. Don't tap the link.
There is no "Medicare Refund Department"
A popular 2026 scam claims you're owed a refund (often tied to the new $2,100 drug-cost cap) and asks for your bank routing number to "deposit" it. It doesn't exist. Don't give out any banking info
The voice on the phone can be faked now
Scammers use AI to clone a grandchild's or official's voice from just a few seconds of audio -- then call in a panic ("I'm in jail", "I had an accident", "Send money NOW") Set a family code word!! If your get a call like this, hang up and call your family member back on their real number.
Gift cards, wire transfers, and crypto = 100% scam
No Real agency, bank, or family member needs to be paid in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The moment someone asks for that, it's fraud. Caller ID can be faked too -- don't trust it even if it says "Medicare" or "Social Security"
Check Your Statements Every Month
Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and plan EOBs. A charge for a wheelchair you never got or a test you never took is red flag that your number's been used.
If something feels wrong -- report it (it's free, and they want to hear from you)
Medicare Fraud: 1-800-Medicare (1800-633-4227) or Medicare.gov
Drug-plan (part D) Fraud
I-Medic (1-800-633-4227) or Medicare.gov
Any scam/ money lost
FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Free local help
Your Senior Medicare Patrol(SMP) -- smpresource.org
Social Security Scams
SSA Office of Inspector General -- oig.ssa.gov
