If you or someone you know lives in New York and has Medicare, you need to be on high alert. A growing number of residents across the Empire State are reporting suspicious phone calls from people pretending to be from Medicare. These scammers are after one thing—your personal information.
According to the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, scammers are using medical identity theft tactics to fraudulently bill for services or medical supplies. They might sound convincing, but do not let your guard down. If you answer a call and someone asks for your Medicare number or Social Security information, hang up. You could already be a target.
How does the medicare scam work?
The scam often begins with a call from someone claiming to represent Medicare. They might say they need to “verify” your personal information or tell you that you’re eligible for free medical supplies or services. Do not fall for it.
Ryan Ramsey, associate director of Health Care and Benefits at the National Council on Aging (NCOA), explains it plainly:
“In a Medicare scam, one or more criminals pretend to be from Medicare or another known organization. Their goal is to trick people into sharing their Medicare or Social Security number. Most often, scammers use this information to commit identity theft.”
Scammers use this stolen info to file fake Medicare claims or obtain prescription drugs illegally. In some cases, they even sell your information on the black market.
What are the signs of a medicare scam call?
If you are wondering how to tell if a Medicare call is a scam, here are the red flags you need to watch for:
- The caller asks for your Medicare or Social Security number.
- They offer “free” equipment or services in exchange for personal details.
- They claim there’s a problem with your Medicare coverage that needs “urgent” action.
- They pressure you to act quickly or threaten consequences like canceled benefits.
Remember this: Medicare, the IRS, and the Social Security Administration will never call you to request personal information.
What should you do if you get a scam call?
If you receive a suspicious call, the best thing you can do is hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or provide any information. After hanging up, report the scam to the appropriate authorities:
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Reach out to the Senior Medicare Patrol for help in your area.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE to double-check if there are any real issues with your coverage.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has also warned about scammers using AI-generated voices and fake police warrants to make their calls sound more believable. Some even impersonate law enforcement and demand fines for things like missing jury duty. Do not pay a dime. Real officers do not collect payments over the phone.
Why seniors are especially at risk
Older adults are more likely to be targeted in scams like this. According to Security.org, thousands of Americans—especially seniors—fall victim to medical identity theft every year. This is why efforts like Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, led by the Administration for Community Living and Senior Medicare Patrol, have become so important.
If you are caring for a loved one who receives Medicare, take a moment to talk to them about these scams. A quick conversation could prevent a major financial disaster.
