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Home › Scam guides › Is that "Medicare" call a scam? What North Carolina seniors should know

Is that "Medicare" call a scam? What North Carolina seniors should know

Last updated · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC

Short answer: If someone calls you out of the blue asking for your Medicare number, bank account, or a payment, it's a scam. Real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically, and in North Carolina you can get free, unbiased plan help from NC SHIIP at 855-408-1212.

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How it works

Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and scam calls pretending to be Medicare often pick up this time of year. The caller may say you need a "new" or "updated" Medicare card, then ask you to confirm your Medicare number, or your bank account. The Better Business Bureau told WCNC that scammers also use calls and texts offering "better coverage at a better price," sometimes asking, "Did you get your new Medicare number? Read me your old one."

Caller ID can be faked to show Medicare's name or number. The FCC warns that these calls can lead to medical identity theft, where someone uses your information to get care or file claims as you.

A related version: someone claiming to be from Social Security says your benefits or number will be suspended unless you pay or confirm personal details.

Red flags

  • An unexpected call or text asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account
  • Being told you need a "new" Medicare card. Real cards are free and mailed automatically.
  • Caller ID that shows "Medicare." It can be faked.
  • Threats of arrest or losing benefits
  • A salesperson who shows up at your door uninvited. The NC Department of Insurance says Medicare insurers aren't supposed to sell door to door.

What to do

  1. Hang up, and don't share any numbers.
  2. To check, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 yourself.
  3. For free, unbiased help comparing plans in North Carolina, call NC SHIIP at 855-408-1212 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or visit Medicare.gov.
  4. Report Medicare scams to 1-800-MEDICARE, then to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you already responded

It happens to careful people every day. If you shared your Medicare number, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it, and see Medicare's fraud reporting page. If you shared bank or card numbers, call the number on the back of your card. If you think your identity was stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov.

Who to call in North Carolina

  • Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • NC SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, NC Department of Insurance): 855-408-1212, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Social Security: 1-800-772-1213; report impostors to the SSA Inspector General
  • NC Department of Justice consumer hotline: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226), or file a consumer complaint
  • Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (free for anyone, member or not): 877-908-3360

Common questions

Does Medicare call you asking for your Medicare number?
Medicare won't call you out of the blue asking for your Medicare number, bank account, or a payment. Caller ID can be faked, so hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself to check.
Do I need to pay for a new Medicare card?
No. Real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically.
Who can help me compare Medicare plans in North Carolina for free?
NC SHIIP, part of the NC Department of Insurance, offers free, unbiased help at 855-408-1212, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

Sources

Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. There's no shame in being targeted, and reporting helps your neighbors too. This page summarizes the official warnings and news reports linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.

Want an extra layer of protection? Start with the free steps above. If you'd also like to compare paid tools like identity monitoring, call blockers or medical alert devices, see our plain-language protection guide.

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