05/29/2026
Protect yourself from medical identity theft
Medical identity theft is a serious crime that happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit Medicare fraud or other crimes. Use the following tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Do:
• Check the receipts and statements you get from providers for mistakes, and call your provider’s office if you think a charge is incorrect.
• Create a secure Medicare.gov account to view your Original Medicare claims as soon as they’re processed to help spot mistakes sooner.
• Remember that Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home. Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will only call and ask for personal information in limited situations (like an agent or representative returning your call after you've joined a plan, reported fraud, or left a message for Medicare).
Don’t:
• Give your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it (like insurers acting on your behalf or people who work with Medicare, like your
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Get the contact information for your local SHIP.
o What do I do if my card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
• Accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.
• Allow anyone, except your doctor or other Medicare providers, to review your medical records or recommend services.
• Join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone, unless you called and asked for help.
