Medicare Scam Calls: How to Protect Yourself in Wisconsin

An unexpected phone call about Medicare can sound convincing. The caller may know your name, mention benefits you have seen advertised, or use a local Wisconsin phone number. They might say you need a new Medicare card or must act immediately to keep your coverage.

Before answering questions, pause.



If someone unexpectedly calls asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or financial information, hang up and verify the request through a trusted number. Medicare will not call you unexpectedly to sell coverage or ask for private information. Limited legitimate callbacks can occur, such as after you request assistance or report fraud.

For consumers in Oak Creek, Milwaukee, Franklin, and throughout Wisconsin, knowing what to watch for can help protect both your personal information and your healthcare coverage.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam Call?

Scammers often create urgency or promise something valuable to get you talking. Watch for these warning signs.

“You need to pay for a new Medicare card.”

You do not have to pay for a replacement Medicare card. An unexpected caller who demands payment for a new card or threatens to cancel your Medicare coverage is showing a clear warning sign.

“Confirm your Medicare number to receive free equipment.”

Be cautious about unsolicited offers of medical equipment or services in exchange for your Medicare number. Fraud can involve billing Medicare for equipment you did not need or receive. Discuss medical needs with your healthcare provider before accepting an unfamiliar offer.

“You must change your plan right now.”

A caller should not pressure you to enroll before you understand the coverage. Medicare’s marketing rules prohibit plan representatives from pressuring you to join by claiming you must select their plan to have coverage next year.

“The number on your screen proves we are legitimate.”

Caller ID is not proof of identity. Scammers can disguise their number so the call appears to come from a government agency, insurance company, or familiar area code.

A 414 or 608 number deserves the same caution as any other unexpected call.

Does Medicare Ever Call You?

Medicare does not call to sell you a plan. However, a representative may call in limited circumstances, such as returning a message you left or following up on a fraud report.

A call from your private insurance plan or an agent you work with is different from a call from the federal Medicare program. If you are unsure who is calling, end the conversation and contact the organization using a number you independently verify.

Use the member services number on your insurance card, a number from official correspondence, or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Avoid relying on a callback number supplied by an unknown caller.

Are All Calls From Medicare Insurance Agents Scams?

No. Your current plan, an agent who helped you enroll, or a representative you gave permission to contact you may have a legitimate reason to call.

For Medicare Advantage and Part D marketing, representatives generally cannot call unless you are already a plan member or have given permission. A legitimate call should clearly identify the person and organization, explain its purpose, and respect your decision to end the conversation.

If you do not remember requesting contact, ask how the caller obtained your permission. You can still hang up and verify the organization before continuing.

What Should You Do During a Suspicious Call?

You do not need to investigate the caller yourself. Take these steps:

1. Stop sharing information. Do not confirm your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking details, or passwords.
2. End the call. You do not owe an unfamiliar caller a conversation.
3. Verify independently. Contact Medicare, your current insurance company, or an agent you already know using a trusted number.
4. Keep basic details. Note the date, displayed phone number, organization claimed, and what the caller requested.
5. Report your concern. Reporting helps identify patterns of fraud.

A simple response is enough: “I don’t share personal information on unexpected calls. I’ll contact the organization directly.”

What If You Already Shared Your Medicare Number?

Act promptly, even if you are unsure whether the call was fraudulent.

Contact 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened. You can also contact Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol for assistance with suspected Medicare fraud.

Review your Medicare Summary Notices or your plan’s Explanation of Benefits for unfamiliar services, equipment, or providers. Ask your provider or insurance plan to explain anything you do not recognize; an incorrect charge can be an error rather than fraud.

If your information has been used to obtain medical care or services without your permission, notify your provider or plan and visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.

Where Can Wisconsin Residents Report Medicare Scams?

You have several reporting options:

ResourceHow to contactMedicareCall 1-800-633-4227 to report suspected Medicare fraud or discuss a concerning enrollment.Wisconsin Senior Medicare PatrolCall the toll-free, confidential helpline at 888-818-2611 or visit smpwi.org.Federal Trade CommissionReport scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

These resources can help you report suspicious activity and understand appropriate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Scam Calls

Can someone misuse my Medicare number without my Social Security number?

Yes. Your Medicare number can be used to submit fraudulent healthcare claims. Protect it and share it only with verified people or organizations that need it for your care or coverage.

Should I give my Medicare number just to get a plan quote?

Medicare health and drug plan representatives do not need sensitive personal information, such as bank account or credit card numbers, to provide a quote. An enrollment request may require additional information, but verify who you are working with before sharing it.

What if a caller knows my name and address?

That does not establish that the caller is legitimate. Verify through an independently obtained phone number before discussing personal information or coverage changes.

What if I think I was enrolled because of misleading information?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain the circumstances. Medicare can help you understand whether options are available to address the enrollment.

Get Help From Someone You Know

You deserve time to ask questions and understand your Medicare choices. An unexpected call should never rush you into sharing private information or changing coverage.

If you have questions about a coverage offer, contact Health Insurance Solutions directly at 414-766-9700 or visit www.wihis.net. For suspected fraud, use the official reporting resources above.

Pause, verify, and protect your information—before you make a decision.

Health Insurance Solutions is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the federal government.