Five signs of a fake call
- You didn't ask for the call. Medicare's marketing rules bar plans and agents from unsolicited sales calls (42 CFR 422.2264). Medicare doesn't call to sell, either.
- They ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank number. Medicare says it will never call you uninvited to ask for personal information.
- They offer something "at no cost." A back or knee brace, catheters, a genetic or heart test. HHS-OIG warns that if Medicare denies a test claim, you could owe the full cost. In Florida, equipment nobody ordered is behind the largest federal cases.
- They mention a "new" or "chip" card. Medicare doesn't call to replace cards. If you lost yours, print an official copy from your Medicare.gov account.
- They rush you. Real deadlines are in official letters from Medicare and your plan.
This fall in Florida: Open Enrollment runs through December 7, 2026, and at least 302,773 Floridians must choose other coverage because their Medicare Advantage plan ends in 2027. Scammers use these dates. If your plan is ending, you'll get a letter; see plans ending in 2027.
What to do
- Hang up. Don't confirm your name, number or address, and don't press any keys.
- Call back yourself. Use 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or the number on your plan card.
- Check the agent. If someone says they're an insurance agent, get their full name and look them up on the Florida Department of Financial Services licensee search.
- Report it. To 1-800-MEDICARE, HHS-OIG (1-800-HHS-TIPS) or the Senior Medicare Patrol's national line, 1-877-808-2468. Report robocalls and scam calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and in Florida to the Attorney General's fraud hotline, 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
If you want to talk about your options, do it on your terms: you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
How do I report Medicare fraud in Florida?
Who to call, step by step.
Someone used my Medicare number. What do I do?
Check, report, protect.
Why do I get so many calls to change my plan?
The rules callers must follow.
Why is there so much Medicare fraud in South Florida?
Where the Strike Force began.
More in Medicare fraud in Florida.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- HHS-OIG — Fraud alert: genetic testing scam
- HHS-OIG — Fraud alert: nationwide brace scam
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.2264, beneficiary contact
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.2267, required agent disclaimer
- Florida Department of Financial Services — Licensee search
- Federal Trade Commission — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Florida Attorney General — Scams
- SMP National Resource Center
More questions in this guide
- How do I report Medicare fraud in Florida?
- Someone used my Medicare number in Florida. What do I do?
- Why is there so much Medicare fraud in South Florida?
Part of the guide: Medicare fraud in Florida: how to spot it and where to report it · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare ever call me?
Only in limited situations, such as a representative returning a call you made, after you joined a plan or reported fraud. Medicare says it will never call you uninvited to ask for personal information or to sell you anything.
The caller spoke Spanish and knew my name. Could it be real?
Knowing your name or speaking your language proves nothing, and caller ID can be faked. If you didn't ask for the call, hang up and call the number on your Medicare card or your plan card.
I already gave my Medicare number. What now?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and tell them someone may be using your number, watch your statements over the next few months, and refuse any delivery you didn't order. You can also report it to HHS-OIG at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Can an insurance agent call me?
Medicare's rules bar plans and agents from unsolicited sales calls. An agent may call if you asked, for example through a form. Before discussing benefits, the agent must tell you they don't offer every plan available in your area.
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