Social Security and Medicare Scams: The Red Flags That Actually Matter in 2026
Scam stories change, but they follow the same four steps. Social Security and Medicare also publish a short list of things they never do, which is the easiest test to apply.
The Social Security Administration describes nearly every scam with four words: Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, Payment. SSA will never threaten arrest, suspend your Social Security number, demand secrecy, or ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or mailed cash. Medicare will never call to sell you something or ask for your Medicare number on a call you did not make. Two scams are common in 2026: fake emails offering your Social Security Statement, and "free" genetic tests or medical equipment that are then billed to Medicare.
Our guide to suspected elder abuse covers reporting after money has been lost. This article covers the step before: how to recognize a Social Security or Medicare scam while you can still hang up.
The "4 P's" SSA uses to describe the pattern
- Pretend. The caller or sender claims to be from an agency or organization you know.
- Prize or Problem. They say you have won something, or that something is wrong with your benefits or Social Security number.
- Pressure. They push you to act right away, before you can think or ask anyone.
- Payment. They tell you to pay in a specific, unusual way.
The pattern is the same by phone, text, email, fake website or letter. Do not rely on how official the contact looks. Scammers fake caller ID so that a real government number appears, give made-up badge numbers, and mail documents on convincing letterhead.
What SSA and Medicare will never do
This test is more reliable, because the list is short and does not change.
| Social Security will never | Medicare will never |
|---|---|
| Threaten arrest or legal action | Call to sell you anything |
| Say it will suspend or cancel your Social Security number | Ask for your Medicare number on a call you did not make |
| Tell you to keep the contact secret | Ask for payment information on a call you did not make |
| Ask for payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cash in the mail |
Give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist or another Medicare provider, or to someone you have authorized to handle it. A contact that does any one thing on these lists is a scam.
The 4 P's
Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, Payment. SSA's description of the pattern behind nearly every version of the scam.
2025 Complaint Volume
More than 330,000 FTC complaints involving government impersonation in 2025, up 25% from the year before.
Never Requested
Gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, mailed cash, or your Medicare number over an unsolicited call.
Genetic Testing Fraud
$3.6 billion in Medicare lab billing from genetic tests in a recent year; more than $1.17 billion charged in a 2026 national fraud takedown.
In 2026: fake Social Security Statement emails
SSA has warned of a sharp rise this year in emails that offer access to your Social Security Statement, the record of your earnings and estimated benefits. SSA says clicking the link can expose your personal information and lead to identity theft or financial loss.
To see your real Statement, type ssa.gov into your browser and sign in to your my Social Security account. Do not use a link from an email, text or message you did not ask for, whatever the sender's name says.
SSA and its Office of the Inspector General hold "Slam the Scam Day" each March, during the FTC's National Consumer Protection Week. The FTC received more than 330,000 complaints about government impersonation in 2025, 25% more than the year before.
Medicare scams in person: free tests and equipment
Medicare fraud also happens at community events and health fairs. Someone offers a "free" genetic test, cheek swab or health screening and says "your doctor has already approved it" or "Medicare will cover everything." The test is then billed to Medicare, although your own doctor did not order it and it is often not medically necessary.
Genetic testing accounted for $3.6 billion of Medicare's laboratory billing in a recent year. A national health care fraud takedown in 2026 brought charges tied to more than $1.17 billion in fraudulent telemedicine and genetic testing claims.
Be equally careful with unrequested offers of "free" wheelchairs, walkers, braces or diabetic supplies. Our DME coverage explainer describes a legitimate order: your doctor prescribes it and a Medicare-enrolled supplier provides it.
Read your Medicare Summary Notice or your plan's Explanation of Benefits when it arrives. If it lists a test, service or item you never received, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your local Senior Medicare Patrol (smpresource.org) helps beneficiaries review statements and report fraud at no charge.
What to do if you're targeted
- Do not give your Social Security number, Medicare number or any payment details.
- Hang up or close the message. To check, call the agency yourself on a number from its official website or a letter you already have.
- Report it:
- Social Security scams: SSA Office of the Inspector General, oig.ssa.gov
- Medicare fraud: 1-800-MEDICARE, or the HHS OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
- If you already paid or gave out information, call your bank or card issuer right away. Then call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, which helps adults 60 and older with reporting and next steps.
Our guide to suspected elder abuse or exploitation has more on what to do after a loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SSA's "4 P's" of a Social Security scam?
Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure and Payment. Scammers pretend to be from an agency you know, claim there is a prize or a problem with your benefits or Social Security number, pressure you to act immediately, and demand payment in a specific, unusual way.
Will Social Security or Medicare ever call and ask for payment?
No. SSA will never threaten arrest or legal action, suspend your Social Security number, demand secrecy, or ask for payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or mailed cash. Medicare will never call to sell you something or ask for your Medicare number or payment on a call you did not make. A contact that demands immediate payment this way is a scam, whatever the caller ID shows.
What is the "Slam the Scam" campaign?
It is an annual awareness campaign run by SSA and its Office of the Inspector General each March, during the FTC's National Consumer Protection Week. It helps the public recognize, avoid and report government imposter scams. The FTC received more than 330,000 complaints about government impersonation in 2025, a 25% increase over the year before.
How does the Medicare genetic testing scam work?
Scammers offer a free cheek swab or screening at a community event, at a health fair or by phone, often saying "your doctor has already approved it" or "Medicare will cover everything." The test is billed to Medicare although your own doctor did not order it and it is often not medically necessary. Genetic testing made up $3.6 billion of Medicare lab billing in a recent year, and a 2026 national fraud takedown brought charges tied to more than $1.17 billion in fraudulent telemedicine and genetic testing claims.
What should I do if I think I've been targeted by a scam?
Do not give any personal or payment information, and do not respond under pressure. Report a suspected Social Security scam to the SSA Office of the Inspector General. Report suspected Medicare fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE or the HHS OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS. If you have already lost money, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 helps adults 60 and older.
This article explains general federal guidance on recognizing Social Security and Medicare scams as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Scam tactics keep changing. When in doubt, contact SSA (ssa.gov) or Medicare (medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) yourself, and do not use contact details given in a suspicious message.