Every year, scammers become more active around the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information or both. As you consider your health coverage and prescription options during this period (October 15 – December 7), learn to spot the scams.

First, know that scammers often impersonate Medicare representatives and contact you unexpectedly. They might sound professional and even have some of your personal information. They’ll say you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card and ask for your Medicare, bank account, or credit card information. But real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically. And true Medicare representatives won’t call, text or email you out of the blue to ask for your numbers or a payment.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from Medicare scams during Open Enrollment, as well as all year round:

• Ignore unexpected calls from anyone who demands you share Medicare, personal or financial information. Medicare will only ask you to verify information if you contact them first, and they won’t try to sell you anything or tell you to pay for your Medicare card. Only scammers do that.
• Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To ensure legitimacy, hang up and call 1.800.MEDICARE (800.633.4227).
• Get help to compare costs, coverage, and plans. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for assistance. And find information about your coverage options at Medicare.gov – the official U.S. government site for Medicare – or by calling 1.800.MEDICARE (800.633.4227).

Report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams by calling 1.800.MEDICARE (800.633.4227). Then, inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. But please note that as of 10.18.2025, this web page is not functional due to the government shutdown.

For additional help to prevent, detect and report potential Medicare fraud, errors and abuse, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

This article is adapted from https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/medicare-open-enrollment-season-learn-how-protect-yourself-scams.