Government

Is This Medicare Email a Scam? How to Tell

Medicare scams target seniors with fake card replacement offers, enrollment phishing, and calls from fake Medicare representatives seeking personal health information.

Reviewed by the Cautellus team · Last updated May 30, 2026

Think you've received a scam?

Paste a suspicious message, email, or URL into our free AI-powered scanner for instant analysis.

Scan Now — It's Free

Common Medicare Scam Types

New Medicare card scams

Open enrollment phishing

Fake Medicare representative calls

DNA/genetic testing scams

Example Scam Messages

These are examples of fake messages impersonating Medicare. Never click links in unsolicited messages.

“Medicare: Your new Medicare card is ready. Verify your information at medicare-card.com”

“Medicare: You qualify for additional benefits during open enrollment. Call 1-888-XXX-XXXX.”

Red Flags to Watch For

Calls asking for your Medicare number to issue a new card
Offers of free genetic testing kits in exchange for your Medicare number
Unsolicited calls about Medicare benefits
Door-to-door Medicare plan salespeople

Legitimate Medicare Contact Info

Visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227. Medicare will never call uninvited to sell you anything or ask for your Medicare number.

Where to Report a Medicare Scam

If you received or fell for a fake Medicare message, report it to the authorities below. Reporting helps investigators track these campaigns.

FTC — reportfraud.ftc.govReport fraud and scams to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
FBI IC3 — ic3.govFile a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Cautellus reporting guide →Step-by-step help on who to contact and how to recover.