How to Protect Yourself from Social Security and Medicare Scams
Learn how to recognize fraudulent calls and safeguard your personal information.
1How to Spot a Fake Call
If the caller asks you to verify your Social Security or Medicare number, claims your benefits will be suspended, or demands immediate payment, it could be a scam. Official agencies never make such calls. Don't be fooled if the caller uses official terminology or knows your personal details. Scammers can obtain this information through data breaches.
2How Official Agencies Communicate
The Social Security Administration only calls if you've applied for benefits, requested a callback, or are working with a representative on your account. Medicare generally doesn't make unsolicited calls asking you to verify your number, update coverage, or enroll in a new plan. Official notices are usually sent by mail or through your secure online account.
3Red Flags to Watch For
If the caller claims your Social Security number is suspended, demands payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, pressures you not to hang up, or tells you to keep the call secret, it's a scam. Official agencies never communicate this way. Hang up immediately and call the agency using official numbers.
4How to Verify the Caller
If someone claims to represent Medicare or Social Security, don't feel pressured to continue. Politely end the call and contact the agency yourself using the number on your Medicare card, Social Security correspondence, or the agency's official website. Never use a number provided by the caller or left in a voicemail.
5How to Protect Your Personal Information
Legitimate representatives typically won't ask you to verify sensitive financial info over an unsolicited call. Be wary if someone requests your full SSN, Medicare number, banking details, passwords, or asks you to buy gift cards or move money to a 'safe' account. If unsure, tell the caller you'll verify independently and hang up.
6What to Do If You Shared Information
If you've already shared information, take immediate steps to protect yourself. Contact your bank, change passwords, report identity theft, monitor Medicare Summary Notices and SSA account activity, and consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze. Acting quickly can help minimize potential damage.
7How to Report Suspicious Calls
Reporting scam attempts helps agencies identify trends and warn the public. Report suspected Social Security scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General via their online system. Medicare fraud concerns can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
8Why These Scams Are So Common
Social Security and Medicare scams are among the most prevalent frauds targeting older Americans. Scammers use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate. These scams can lead to identity theft and financial losses. However, you can protect yourself by following simple precautions and using official communication channels.