Common Medicare Scams Targeting Californians
- Phone scams: Callers claiming to be “from Medicare” asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information. Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for personal information.
- Fake genetic testing: Offers for “free” DNA or genetic tests that result in fraudulent Medicare billing — particularly common at health fairs and community events.
- Durable medical equipment fraud: Receiving braces, orthotics, or supplies you didn’t order, then finding them billed to your Medicare.
- Door-to-door solicitation: People coming to your home claiming they need to “update your Medicare card.” This is always a scam — Medicare does not send representatives door-to-door.
- Phantom billing: Charges on your Medicare Summary Notice for services or equipment you never received.
How to Protect Yourself
- Guard your Medicare number like a credit card. Only share it with trusted healthcare providers.
- Review every Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you didn’t receive or providers you didn’t visit.
- Never give personal information to unsolicited callers, even if they claim to be from Medicare or Social Security.
- Be skeptical of “free” offers for medical equipment, tests, or screenings — especially at events or over the phone.
- Log into Medicare.gov regularly to check your claims history.
How to Report Medicare Fraud in California
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Medicare Fraud Hotline (OIG) | 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) |
| California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) | 1-855-613-7080 |
| California Attorney General Elder Abuse | oag.ca.gov/seniors |
| Federal Trade Commission | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| 1-800-MEDICARE | 1-800-633-4227 |
California Senior Medicare Patrol
The California SMP program trains volunteers to help Medicare beneficiaries prevent, detect, and report fraud. They offer free presentations at senior centers, community organizations, and housing complexes across the state. Call 1-855-613-7080 to request a presentation or report suspected fraud.
How do I report Medicare fraud in California?
Call the Medicare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or the California Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-613-7080. You can also report online at oig.hhs.gov.
Will Medicare call me to ask for my information?
No. Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for this, hang up — it's a scam.