Let’s get to what you actually care about: Is someone trying to hijack your Medicare, your money, or your identity? During AEP the noise gets loud—calls, texts, door-knocks—and scammers hide inside that chaos. This guide shows you the exact playbook they’re using for 2026 and how to shut it down before it costs you.
Watch: Exposing Medicare Scams — The 2026 Tricks You Need To Know
Key Takeaways
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Scammers mimic “official” voices. There’s no “Medicare Enrollment Department.” If it sounds generic and urgent, hang up.
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Every scam follows the 5 Ps: Pretend, Problem, Prize, Pressure, Pay. Spot that pattern, and you’ll spot the scam.
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New twists for 2026: AI voice cloning, the fake chip-card lie, and bogus hospice enrollments tied to “freebies.”
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High-pressure is a neon red flag. Real help gives you time to think; scams demand action now.
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If you slip up, act fast. Document everything, contact your plan and bank, and report it—speed limits the damage.
The 5 Ps: The Simple Pattern Behind Almost Every Scam
- Pretend. They pose as Medicare, your plan, your clinic, or even a family member.
- Problem. “Your coverage is expiring” or “Your card needs activation.”
- Prize. “You’re eligible for a refund/brace/grocery benefit.”
- Pressure. “Act before midnight” or “I can only help you today.”
- Pay. Money, gift cards, crypto—or your Medicare number and banking info.
Matt tip: Write “5 Ps” on a sticky note by your phone. If you hear any of them, hang up and call back using a number you trust.
2026 Scam Upgrades You’ll See More Of
AI Voice Cloning
Scammers can sound exactly like your doctor or a relative. If a familiar voice asks for your Medicare number, hang up and call that person back using a known number.
The Chip-Card Myth
There is no new Medicare chip card. If someone says there is, they’re lying or confused. Do not share your number.
“Freebies” That Enroll You in Hospice
Fraudsters dangle groceries, cleaning, or equipment and slip hospice forms in front of you. Signing can trigger massive false billing in your name. If you didn’t ask for hospice, don’t sign anything.
The Gray Zone: Pushy Sales Tactics vs. Outright Fraud
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Uninvited door-knocking about Medicare is off-limits for MA/Part D unless you requested it. Close the door.
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Manufactured urgency (“10 minutes to decide!”) is sales pressure, not service.
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Misleading phrases like “just like Original Medicare” are not okay—plans have trade-offs.
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Gifts for enrollment aren’t allowed. If a “gift” comes with paperwork, it’s not a gift.
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Scope of Appointment (SOA) 101: A legit agent will clearly explain and complete an SOA before discussing plan types. It protects you by defining the conversation. If they rush or skip it, walk away.
Matt tip: Real pros educate first. If it feels like a timeshare pitch, end it.
What To Do If You’re Targeted—or Took the Bait
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Write it down: date, time, number, what they said, any names.
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Call your Medicare plan and request a claims audit for recent dates.
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Contact your bank/card to freeze, dispute, or issue new cards.
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Report it: reportfraud.ftc.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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File a local police report to create a paper trail.
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Tell someone you trust. Silence helps scammers; your story protects others.
Reminder: Getting hit doesn’t mean you’re gullible—it means scammers are good at this. What you do next is what matters.
FAQs
Is there a “Medicare Enrollment Department” calling people?
No. That phrase is a common scam hook. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE or your plan.
Does Medicare give out free braces, DNA kits, or grocery cards?
No. Big “freebie” offers tied to paperwork are classic scam bait.
How do I handle a call that sounds like my doctor or family?
Hang up and call back using the number you already have for that person or office.
Do I have to sign a Scope of Appointment to talk about plans?
Yes—legit agents use it to protect you by defining topics. If they skip it or rush it, leave.
What To Do Next
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Save these two numbers in your phone: your plan’s member services and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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Screen everything: If a call/text/email mentions Medicare, you call back using a known number.
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Want a sanity check? Get a no-pressure review of your doctors, drugs, and 2026 options from a trusted, licensed professional who will explain the SOA and give you time to decide—no gimmicks, no rush.
