Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams: What Temecula Seniors Need to Know
Medicare scams targeting seniors are on the rise. Every year, Temecula residents lose money to Medicare fraud. Here's how to protect yourself.
Common Medicare Scams
Scam #1: Fake Medicare Cards
The scam:
Someone calls saying your Medicare card is "expiring"
They need to "verify" your information
They ask for your Medicare number or Social Security number
The truth: Medicare cards don't expire. Medicare never calls to verify information.
Red flags:
Unsolicited calls about your Medicare card
Pressure to provide personal information
Threats that your coverage will end
What to do: Hang up. Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if concerned.
Scam #2: "Free" Medical Equipment
The scam:
You get a call offering "free" knee braces, back braces, or diabetic supplies
They say "Medicare covers it"
They just need your Medicare number
The truth: Scammers bill Medicare for equipment you never receive or don't need, then take a cut.
Red flags:
Unsolicited offers of free equipment
High-pressure sales tactics
Requests for Medicare number over phone
What to do: Don't give out your Medicare number. If you need equipment, ask your doctor first.
Scam #3: Medicare Enrollment Fees
The scam:
Someone claims you must pay a fee to enroll in Medicare
They offer to "help you enroll" for $200-$500
The truth: Medicare enrollment is FREE. You never pay to enroll.
What to do: Hang up. Enroll through Social Security (free) or work with a licensed agent (also free).
Scam #4: Fake Insurance Agents
The scam:
Someone shows up at your door claiming to be from Medicare
They pressure you to sign up for a plan
They take your personal information
The truth: Real Medicare agents:
Never work "for Medicare"
Should have a state license (verify it)
Don't pressure you
Give you time to decide
What to do: Ask for their license number. Verify it at insurance.ca.gov before sharing information.
Scam #5: "Medicare Annual Wellness Visit" Scam
The scam:
You receive a call about scheduling your "mandatory" wellness visit
They ask for credit card to "verify your identity"
Or they perform unnecessary tests during visit
The truth: Wellness visits are legitimate and free, but Medicare doesn't call to schedule them.
What to do: Schedule wellness visits through your own doctor's office.
Scam #6: Phony COVID/Vaccine Scams
The scam:
Calls offering COVID tests or treatments
Asking for Medicare number to send "free" supplies
Billing Medicare for fake services
The truth: COVID tests and vaccines are covered by Medicare, but you get them from legitimate healthcare providers.
What to do: Only receive medical services from your regular healthcare providers.
Protecting Your Information
Never Give Out These Over the Phone
❌ Medicare number
❌ Social Security number
❌ Bank account information
❌ Credit card number
Unless YOU initiated the call to a known, legitimate number.
Your Medicare Number is Valuable
Treat it like a credit card:
Don't carry your card unless going to doctor
Don't share it over the phone
Don't post it on social media
Don't give it to strangers
Scammers use Medicare numbers to:
Bill fake services
Steal your identity
Commit fraud
How to Verify Legitimacy
Is This Person Really from Medicare?
Medicare will NEVER:
Call you unsolicited about your coverage
Ask for payment over the phone
Threaten to cancel your coverage
Show up at your door
Email you asking for personal information
If someone claims to be from Medicare: Hang up. Call 1-800-MEDICARE directly.
Is This Insurance Agent Legitimate?
Check their license:
Ask for their full name and license number
Go to insurance.ca.gov
Search their name/license
Verify they're currently licensed
My license: CA #4335496 (you can verify it!)
Legitimate agents:
✅ Provide license number willingly
✅ Give you time to decide
✅ Explain options without pressure
✅ Meet you in person or by appointment
Red Flags: Signs of a Scam
🚩 Unsolicited contact (calls, emails, door-knocking)
🚩 Pressure to act immediately ("Offer ends today!")
🚩 Requests for payment (Medicare services are billed, not prepaid)
🚩 "Free" offers requiring Medicare number
🚩 Claims to work "for Medicare" (private agents work with Medicare, not for it)
🚩 Too good to be true benefits
🚩 Poor grammar in emails/letters
🚩 Threats about coverage ending
What to Do If You're Scammed
Step 1: Stop Contact Immediately
Hang up the phone
Don't open emails
Don't let them in your home
Don't send money
Step 2: Report the Scam
Report to:
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Office of Inspector General: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
California Dept of Insurance: 1-800-927-4357
FTC: ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-FTC-HELP
Local police: If someone came to your home
Step 3: Check for Fraudulent Charges
Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN):
Lists all services billed to Medicare
Check for services you didn't receive
Report discrepancies immediately
Get your MSN:
Mailed quarterly
Or view online at Medicare.gov
Step 4: Protect Your Identity
If you gave out personal information:
Place fraud alert on credit reports
Monitor bank/credit card statements
Consider credit freeze
File identity theft report (identitytheft.gov)
Legitimate Medicare Communications
How Medicare Actually Contacts You
Medicare WILL:
Send official letters by mail
Show on Medicare.gov website
Respond if YOU call them
Medicare will NOT:
Call you unsolicited
Email you asking for information
Text you
Visit your home
When to Expect Contact from Insurance Companies
Legitimate contact:
After YOU requested information
Annual enrollment materials (mail)
Confirmation of enrollment you initiated
Answers to questions you asked
Protecting Yourself: Best Practices
For Phone Calls
✅ If you didn't initiate the call, don't give information
✅ Hang up and call the official number yourself
✅ Don't press any buttons (even to "opt out")
✅ Register on Do Not Call list (donotcall.gov)
For Door-to-Door Sales
✅ Ask for ID and license number
✅ Don't feel pressured to let them in
✅ Schedule appointment for another time if interested
✅ Verify their license before meeting again
For Mail
✅ Be skeptical of urgent language
✅ Verify sender before responding
✅ Shred documents with personal info
For Email
✅ Don't click links in unsolicited emails
✅ Don't open attachments from unknown senders
✅ Verify sender by calling official number
✅ Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov
How Legitimate Agents Work
When you work with me or any licensed agent:
✅ We provide our license number upfront
✅ We meet at YOUR convenience
✅ We never pressure you
✅ We explain all options
✅ We never charge enrollment fees
✅ We're here for ongoing support
You can verify my license:
License #4335496
Check at insurance.ca.gov
Teaching Family Members
Help your loved ones stay safe:
Share these rules:
Never give Medicare number over phone
Real Medicare doesn't call you
Enrollment is always free
Take time to verify legitimacy
Report suspicious activity
Temecula-Specific Scams to Watch For
Local seniors have reported:
Door-to-door "Medicare representatives"
Robocalls about "Medicare benefits expiring"
Fake pharmacies offering medication delivery
"Free health screenings" at hotels/restaurants
Be especially cautious during:
Annual Enrollment Period (Oct-Dec)
When you first turn 65
After major news about Medicare changes
Resources
Report Medicare fraud:
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE
OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS
Get help:
HICAP (free Medicare counseling): 1-800-434-0222
California Dept of Insurance: 1-800-927-4357
Identity theft:
FTC: identitytheft.gov
Credit bureaus: Place fraud alert
How I Can Help
If you're unsure about a Medicare offer or call:
📞 (951) 840-1099
📧 matt@wieczorekinsure.com
I'll help you:
Determine if something is legitimate
Report fraud
Navigate Medicare safely
Get the coverage you need from a trusted source
No question is too simple. Better safe than sorry.
The Bottom Line
Protect yourself:
Never give out Medicare number unsolicited
Verify before you trust
Report suspicious activity
Work with licensed, local agents
Medicare scams are common, but you can avoid them by staying informed and cautious.
Matt Wieczorek | Licensed CA Insurance Agent #4335496 | Temecula, CA
Verify my license at insurance.ca.gov. I'm here to help you safely navigate Medicare.
