Medicare Open Enrollment Scam Calls: The “New Medicare Card” Call Is Fake

A Medicare Open Enrollment scam call is a call from someone posing as Medicare who says you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card and asks for your Medicare, bank or card number. It is a scam. Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically, and if you are unsure, you can hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

When do these calls happen?

Medicare Open Enrollment runs each year from October 15 to December 7. The FTC warned in September 2025 that scammers use this season to call people on Medicare.

The FTC’s Older Adults Report, released in October 2026, lists Medicare among the most common impersonations in phone-scam reports from older adults.

What does the caller say?

According to the FTC, a typical call goes like this:

• The caller says they are from Medicare.
• They say you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card.
• They ask for your Medicare number, bank account number or card number to send it.

The call may seem convincing. The FTC warns that scammers may already know some personal details about you. Caller ID can also be faked, so the call may look like it comes from Medicare or a government number.

How can you tell it’s a scam?

• Medicare cards are free. No one needs to charge you for one.
• Medicare mails cards automatically. You don’t need to call or give a number to get one.
• An unexpected call asking for your Medicare, bank or card number is a warning sign.
• Caller ID is not proof. It can be faked.
• Knowing your name or address is not proof either. Scammers may already have it.

What should you do if you get this call?

• Hang up. Don’t confirm or give any numbers.
• If you want to check, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself.
• For help choosing or changing a plan, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
• Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
• Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What if your parent already gave out a number?

• If they shared a bank or card number, call the bank on the number on the back of the card.
• If they shared a Medicare number, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and explain what happened.
• Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm ET. Scammers sometimes pretend to be this hotline, so dial the number yourself.
• The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360, can help with next steps.

How can families help during Open Enrollment?

This is a good time of year for a short conversation. One rule covers most of these calls: Medicare doesn’t call to ask for your numbers, and new cards come by mail for free.

It also helps to know who is calling. FamilyDefender checks unknown calls while they happen and can warn the parent and alert a family member when a call looks risky.