The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is warning that scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal Medicare Numbers and personal information. Con artists have been are offering free masks, COVID-19 testing kits, “COVID-19 cures,” or protective equipment in an attempt to steal information. If anyone reaches out to get your Medicare Number or personal information in exchange for something, it’s likely a scam.

Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.

Remember:

• Medicare will never contact you for your Medicare Number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance.
• Medicare will never call you to sell you anything.
• You may get calls from people promising you things if you give them a Medicare Number. This is likely a scam. Do not give your Medicare number to anyone over the phone.
• Medicare will never visit you at your home.

 Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for tips on preventing Medicare scams and fraud. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.