The 2026 Medicare open enrollment window runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, a critical time for seniors and their families to review or change health coverage. Unfortunately, fraudsters are exploiting the season, launching a wave of scams that target the all‑important Medicare card number.
Common Medicare scams to watch for
Unexpected calls asking to confirm your card number. Scammers know many beneficiaries will receive a new card during enrollment. They may call, claim they need to “confirm” the number to mail the card promptly, and use scare tactics such as, “If you don’t confirm today you could lose benefits immediately.”
Cold calls promising a cheaper, better plan. While it’s natural to be attracted by lower costs, legitimate Medicare representatives never call you out of the blue to switch plans. Only callers you have previously contacted may follow up, and they must obey strict consumer‑protection rules.
Caller ID spoofing. Fraudsters can make their phone number appear to be a reputable organization—often a Medicare office or an insurance carrier. The spoofed display adds false credibility, especially when the caller’s screen shows a familiar name.
Offers of free tests or equipment. No one receives free medical services without a legitimate claim. Scammers will collect your Medicare number, bill the program for a test or durable medical equipment you never receive, and pocket the reimbursement.
Why the threat is growing
The Department of Justice reported a record‑breaking $14.6 billion bust of Medicare fraud in 2025, with roughly $10.6 billion tied to fraudulent durable‑medical‑equipment claims. Over one million stolen identities were used to submit those false claims. A study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate also found that fraudulent Medicare Advantage ads amassed 215 million views in 2025—more than six times the prior year’s total.
Protecting yourself during enrollment
Never give out your Medicare number after an unexpected call. Genuine Medicare staff will not contact you unless you have already opened a line of inquiry. Treat your card number with the same caution you give your Social Security or credit‑card numbers.
Hang up if the caller provides vague details. When a caller can only identify themselves as a “Medicare office” or “your health‑insurance provider” without specific information about your plan, end the call and verify independently.
Verify the caller’s identity. Use a reverse‑phone lookup to learn who is behind an unknown number, but remember spoofed IDs can still appear legitimate. Trust your intuition and err on the side of caution.
Report suspicious calls. You can file an online complaint with the Senior Medicare Patrol or call the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 1‑800‑447‑8477. If you suspect your Medicare number has been compromised, monitor your Medicare Summary Notice and immediately call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227) to dispute any unauthorized claims.
Why vigilance matters
After decades of paying FICA taxes, seniors deserve safe, reliable access to their government‑provided health benefits. Fraudsters have no such respect for the system and will exploit any opening during the enrollment season. By staying skeptical, protecting your personal information, and reporting fraud promptly, you help safeguard the program for yourself and fellow beneficiaries.
This alert was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed by Stacker. For more information on protecting your Medicare benefits, visit the Senior Medicare Patrol website.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
