Government impersonation
Is the Medicare cancellation message a scam?
Quick answer
Yes. Medicare does not cancel your coverage by text or unsolicited phone call. Medicare communicates by mail. Any caller asking to 'verify' your Medicare number, send a new card, or warn of cancellation is an impersonator — usually trying to steal your Medicare ID to file fraudulent claims.
Red flags to look for
- Caller asks for your Medicare number 'to verify your account'
- Offers a 'new plastic Medicare card' or 'free upgrade'
- Text claims your coverage will be cancelled if you don't act today
- Asks for your bank or credit card to 'cover the cost' of a new benefit
- Pressures you to switch Medicare plans by phone immediately
Real examples
Text message
Your Medicare coverage will be cancelled on March 15. Call 1-800-555-4499 now to verify your information.
Likely Scam
Medicare never cancels coverage by text and never asks you to call an unverified number. Real coverage changes come by mail with at least 30 days' notice.
Phone call
Hello, this is Medicare. We're sending you a new plastic card — much better than the paper one. Can you confirm your Medicare number so we can update it?
Likely Scam
Medicare did not switch to 'plastic cards.' Real Medicare cards are paper. Anyone asking for your Medicare number is trying to bill fraudulent claims under your account.
What to do
- Hang up or delete the message.
- Never give your Medicare number to anyone who called you.
- If you have questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) directly — never the number from the message.
- Report Medicare fraud at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
- Sign up for your Medicare summary notices online at medicare.gov to spot fraudulent claims early.
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Why scammers use this approach
Medicare numbers are extremely valuable on the dark market — they let fraudsters bill the government for fake medical procedures. A single stolen Medicare ID can be worth thousands in fraudulent billing. Scammers target older adults knowing the urgency around medical coverage drives quick, emotional responses.
Frequently asked questions
How will Medicare contact me about real changes?
By mail. Always by mail first. If something seems urgent, call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify.
Are the 'free knee brace' or 'free back brace' calls also scams?
Yes. These are durable-medical-equipment Medicare fraud schemes. Hang up and report at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.