Medicare won't call you for your Medicare number.

A call or text message says your new Medicare card is ready, and you just need to confirm your Medicare number.

1-888-555-0147Text message

Recreation

Spot the tell. Tap the part that gives this scam away.

The tell

To confirm delivery, reply with your Medicare number and date of birth.

Someone claiming to be Medicare asks for your Medicare number. Medicare already has it.

Example from our recreation.

How it works

Around Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, a call or text says it is from Medicare.
The story: a new card, a medical equipment claim you don't remember, or something free.
They ask for your Medicare number, then file fake claims to Medicare in your name.

What to do

Don't share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Don't trust caller ID. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself.
Forward scam text messages to 7726 (SPAM).

Already fell for it?

Already shared your number? Call 1-800-MEDICARE and the Senior Medicare Patrol (1-877-808-2468), watch your Medicare statements, and call your bank or card issuer if you shared those numbers. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov.

What to do if you were scammed