Signs someone is using your number
- Your Medicare Summary Notice, Medicare.gov claims or plan Explanation of Benefits lists a doctor, test or piece of equipment you don't recognize.
- A box of supplies, a brace or a test kit arrives that your doctor didn't order.
- You gave your number to a caller offering a "new card," a test or equipment.
These are exactly the schemes behind recent Florida cases: in the 2026 national takedown, federal prosecutors in Miami charged one defendant over more than 3.7 billion dollars in false claims for catheters and other equipment.
What to do, step by step
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare says to call if you think someone else is using your Medicare number (TTY 1-877-486-2048). With a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, also call the number on your plan card or I-MEDIC at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
- Check every claim. Create or log in to your Medicare.gov account to see Original Medicare claims as soon as they're processed. Write down each service you didn't get.
- Report the fraud. To HHS-OIG online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). The Senior Medicare Patrol's national line, 1-877-808-2468, can help you sort out what to report.
- Report identity theft. If your Social Security number or bank details were also taken, CMS suggests filing with the Federal Trade Commission (IdentityTheft.gov or 1-877-438-4338) and your local police.
- Check your credit. CMS points to annualcreditreport.com (1-877-322-8228) for your credit reports.
- Refuse deliveries. Return anything you didn't order and keep watching your statements for several months.
If you also have Florida Medicaid
If the fraud involves Florida Medicaid, report the provider to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 1-866-966-7226 or to AHCA Medicaid Program Integrity at 1-888-419-3456.
Related questions
How do I report Medicare fraud in Florida?
Who to call, step by step.
How can I tell if a call about Medicare is a scam?
Five warning signs.
Why is there so much Medicare fraud in South Florida?
What the cases show.
More in Medicare fraud in Florida.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Your Medicare card
- Medicare.gov — Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- CMS — CMS notifies individuals potentially impacted by data incident (June 30, 2025)
- HHS Office of Inspector General — Report fraud
- HHS-OIG — Medical identity theft
- Federal Trade Commission — IdentityTheft.gov
- U.S. Department of Justice — 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown
- Florida Attorney General — Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
- Florida Department of Children and Families — Contact us (Florida Abuse Hotline)
More questions in this guide
- How do I report Medicare fraud in Florida?
- How can I tell if a call about Medicare is a scam?
- 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
Will Medicare give me a new Medicare number?
Ask when you call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare decides case by case. After a 2025 data incident, for example, CMS said it was replacing Medicare numbers for affected people and mailing new cards as needed.
Do I have to pay for services I never got?
No one should bill you for care you didn't receive. Report the charges to 1-800-MEDICARE, and if a provider or debt collector contacts you, tell them in writing that you didn't get the service and that you reported it as fraud.
What if a family member used my number?
It is still fraud. Report it to 1-800-MEDICARE or HHS-OIG. If an older or disabled adult in Florida is being financially exploited by someone, you can also call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
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