How Agents Can Protect Medicare Clients From Scam Calls
In short: Medicare scam calls have risen sharply, and they peak in the fall when real plan outreach does too. Agents protect clients by teaching them the warning signs, making it easy to verify who they’re talking to, and keeping every contact compliant. When clients know their agent, they’re much harder to fool, and much less likely to be pulled away by a stranger on the phone.
Every scam call makes the next honest call harder. Clients who have been burned once may hang up on everyone, including their own agent. That’s a real cost to your business.
The good news: scams are also a chance to show clients why a known, local, licensed agent matters. This guide covers what to teach clients, how to prove you’re legitimate, and how to keep your own outreach above reproach.
What Medicare Scams Are Targeting Your Clients?
The most common scams follow a few patterns:
- “You qualify for extra benefits.” A recorded message promises unclaimed benefits, then transfers to a live person who collects personal information.
- “Your card is expiring.” The caller says the client must verify details to keep coverage. Medicare cards don’t expire, and Medicare doesn’t call to verify them.
- “Something free is on the way.” Free braces, hearing aids or phones are bait. In one reported case, Medicare was billed more than $700 for braces the client never ordered.
- Fake agents. Callers name real carriers, push a decision on the first call and avoid giving a license number.
- The grandparent scam. A caller poses as a grandchild in trouble and asks for secret payment by gift card, wire or cash.
What Should I Teach Clients About Spotting Scams?
Give clients a short, simple list they can keep by the phone:
- Medicare usually contacts you by mail, not by phone.
- Never give your Medicare, Social Security or bank numbers to someone who called you.
- A real agent won’t pressure you to decide today or ask for gift cards or wire transfers.
- Hang up and call your agent at a number you already know. Caller ID can be faked.
- Read your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits for charges you don’t recognize.
When something feels off, the client’s first call should be to you. Say that out loud at every appointment.
How Can I Prove I’m a Real, Licensed Agent?
Make verification easy before a client has to ask:
- Share your NPN and license number on business cards, email signatures and your website.
- Point clients to their state’s license lookup. Every state Department of Insurance in the Southeast offers one online.
- Give clients one office number they can call back, and answer it.
- Use consistent branding on your mail, texts and voicemail so clients learn what you look like.
- Send a follow-up after each appointment that confirms what you discussed and how to reach you.
How Do I Keep My Own Outreach Compliant?
Scam calls have led to tighter rules for everyone. Protect your clients and your contracts:
- Don’t make unsolicited calls or door-to-door visits to Medicare beneficiaries.
- Get documented permission to contact, and record a Scope of Appointment as required.
- Follow CMS marketing rules, TCPA consent rules and each carrier’s guidelines.
- Use only approved materials, and keep records in your CRM.
For recent changes, see our post on CMS removing the 48-hour SOA waiting period.
What Should a Client Do If They Were Scammed?
Stay calm and help them act quickly:
- Write down what they shared and when.
- Call their bank or payment service right away if money was sent.
- Report it to 1-800-MEDICARE, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
- Watch their statements for unfamiliar charges.
How Does Lourie Agent Partners Help You Stay Compliant and Trusted?
Trust is your most valuable asset. We help you protect it:
- Compliance guidance in the 24/7 Agent Partner Hub and our weekly “The Latest from Lourie” email
- Compliant marketing through our Advanced Marketing Program, including branded print pieces, rack cards and direct mail
- Free myLourie CRM software to document permissions and appointments
- Phone support every business day, plus after-hours appointment support and extended AEP hours
- Direct carrier appointments and full vesting from day one, so the trust you build stays with your book
Learn more about our marketing program and why clients still choose a local agent over a call center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare usually contacts people by mail. It won’t call to ask for a Medicare number or bank details, or to say a card is expiring.
They can look up your license on their state Department of Insurance website. Share your NPN and license number up front to make it easy.
No. CMS prohibits unsolicited calls and door-to-door marketing to Medicare beneficiaries. Get documented permission first.
To 1-800-MEDICARE or the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is 833-372-8311.
A good FMO shares rule changes quickly, provides approved marketing and answers questions in real time. Lourie Agent Partners does all three.
Be the Name Your Clients Trust
When clients know exactly who their agent is, scammers lose. We’ll help you build that trust with compliant marketing and real support. Get contracted with Lourie Agent Partners or call (803) 256-2067.