Medicare phone scam: is that call real?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated June 16, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Medicare doesn't call out of the blue to "verify" your number or threaten to cancel your coverage.
“This is an automated call from Medicare. Your Medicare benefits are about to be cancelled because we could not verify your account. To keep your coverage active and receive your new card, press 1 now to confirm your Medicare number.”
Other versions you might get: "Press 1" robocalls about a free new plastic or chip Medicare card, refunds you're owed, or free braces and test kits — often a live person who then asks for your Medicare number to "ship" it.
What to do right now
- Hang up. Don't press 1, don't call back, and don't read out your Medicare number.
- Never confirm numbers. Your Medicare, Social Security, or bank details are not something to give a caller.
- Call back the real way. Reach Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE using the number on your card or medicare.gov.
- Report it. File at reportfraud.ftc.gov and report Medicare fraud at medicare.gov.
- If you already shared your number, call 1-800-MEDICARE to flag it, watch your statements for charges you don't recognize, and consider a free credit freeze.
How to make sure it never bites you
These calls reach you because your number sits on sold lists, and Medicare scams spike around enrollment season. Cut the volume — see how to stop spam calls.
Help protect someone else
Scams spread because people stay quiet about them. If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. Passing it on is the easiest good thing you'll do today. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.