‘New Medicare Card’ Scams on the Rise: How Fraudsters Are Pressuring Seniors This December

What happened and why it matters

StateWide issued a warning this December about a fresh wave of scams that use the phrase “new Medicare card” to trick people into handing over personal data. The message is simple and urgent: fraudsters are calling, texting, or mailing seniors claiming they need to update or activate a replacement Medicare card. The goal is to get Social Security numbers, bank details, or one-time codes — information criminals can use to steal money or commit identity theft. The warning is aimed at older adults and their families because these scams can be fast, convincing and costly.

How the scams work: the tricks and the bait

According to the StateWide notice, scammers use several common plays that are built to force a quick reaction. One frequent approach is a phone call that sounds official. The caller says they are from Medicare or a government office and that the recipient must confirm personal details to receive a “new” card. The voice can sound authoritative, and the caller will often demand immediate action to create pressure.

Another tactic is text messages or emails that include a link to a fake website. The message claims the recipient must verify their information or download a new card. The fake site looks real: it may use government logos, formal language and even the right fonts. If a person types in their Medicare number, Social Security number or bank data, the criminals capture it instantly.

Some schemes mix in mail. A postcard or letter may say a new card is on the way, and to avoid delays the person should call a number listed in the notice. That number connects to a scammer who repeats the same pressure tactics. In other cases, fraudsters will ask for an “activation code” sent by text or email and then try to get the one-time code from the victim — this is a technique to bypass two-factor protections.

StateWide also warns about imposter schemes tied to seniors’ health plans. Scammers pose as plan representatives offering to switch plans, enroll the person in a “new” benefit, or confirm prescription information — all as cover to collect financial or identity data.

Who is most at risk and how big the problem is

Older adults are the main target because they are Medicare’s primary users and often receive mailed notices about benefits. Many seniors expect official messages related to their healthcare, so a well-worded call or letter can seem legitimate. The scams exploit trust, confusion over paperwork and the common habit of acting quickly when told there is an urgent problem with coverage.

The alert does not claim a single national spike in numbers, but local agencies say reports rise around times when people expect mail or changes — like plan enrollment periods or seasonal mailings. Even a small number of successful scams can have big consequences: stolen money, drained accounts, and ruined credit histories. StateWide emphasizes that these incidents are dangerous because they often go unreported until serious harm is done.

Official steps recommended by StateWide: what to do if you are contacted

StateWide lays out clear, simple steps to follow if someone contacts you about a Medicare card. First, do not give out personal information such as your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account or credit card details to anyone who calls, texts or emails uninvited. Real Medicare representatives will not ask for payment or sensitive account numbers over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up. If the message says to call an urgent number or follows up with a text link, do not click or call back. Instead use a trusted source: call Medicare at the official toll-free number printed on your Medicare card or listed on the official Medicare website. If a caller claims to be from your Medicare plan, call the number on your plan materials to verify the claim.

Keep a record of any suspicious contact: the caller’s number, the time and what was said. Share that information with a trusted family member or caregiver so someone else can help review what happened. Finally, report the contact to the authorities so investigators can track patterns and warn others.

Where to report and get help

StateWide asks anyone who receives a suspicious call or message to report it promptly. You can contact your local law enforcement and your state attorney general’s office. For national reporting, contact Medicare through its official helpline and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Social service groups and local aging agencies can also help victims understand next steps and connect them with resources for fraud recovery.

If you care for an older relative, keep their contact lists and account information private, and help them spot unusual calls or mail. Community centers, senior centers and local Area Agencies on Aging often run public workshops that explain current scams in plain language — they can be a useful source of local, up-to-date advice.

StateWide’s bulletin is a reminder that scammers keep changing their scripts. The safest response is simple: slow down, verify who is contacting you through an independent source, and report suspicious requests so others aren’t caught off guard.

Sources

• prnewswire.com