Scammers know that seniors trust official‑looking mail, which is why a growing number are receiving fake "new" plastic Medicare cards in their mailboxes. These cards look convincing—laminated, glossy, and sometimes even stamped with fake holograms—but they are not real. Medicare does not issue plastic cards under any circumstances. Most importantly, Medicare has no program that requires you to "activate" a new card by giving your Social Security number.
Falling for this Medicare card scam will most assuredly expose you to identity theft, fraudulent medical billing, and possibly long‑term financial damage. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
Scammers send out plastic cards because they look more "official" than paper ones, making the Medicare card scam easier to believe. The letter or insert usually claims you must "verify your identity" to activate the new card. Once you call the number, the scammer asks for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or banking information.
These details can be used to open credit accounts, file false tax returns, or bill Medicare for services you never received. The entire goal is to trick you into handing over personal information you would never normally share.
Some scammers send the fake plastic card first, then follow up with a phone call pretending to be Medicare. They reference the card you received to make the Medicare card scam seem legitimate. The caller may sound professional, use Medicare terminology, or even spoof a government phone number.
They will insist they need your Social Security number to "activate" or "confirm" your benefits. Medicare will never call you out of the blue to ask for personal information.
If you receive one, shred it immediately and do not call any number listed on the insert. Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you're unsure whether something is legitimate, call Medicare directly using the official number on your current card.
Be wary of anyone contacting you claiming:
- You are getting a new, plastic Medicare card.
- Medicare is switching to a card with chip in it.
- It's a new year so you need a new card.
- You need a black and white card.
- They need your Medicare number to see if you have received your new one yet.
- They need you to verify your Medicare number so they can confirm you have the correct Medicare card.
Read our previous article about reporting other Medicare Fraud Report Medicare Fraud – Poolesville Seniors
If you suspect fraud call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Report Medicare Fraud online.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan you can also call the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (I-MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).