Medicare and Social Security scams: Warning signs and tips

Medicare and Social Security scams target older adults by impersonating trusted government programs and creating fear around benefits, medical coverage, or legal trouble. The scam may arrive as a phone call, text, email, social media ad, or even a message that appears to come from a benefits office. The goal is usually simple: get sensitive information, redirect money, or pressure someone into acting before they stop to verify the story.

These scams are effective because they sound official.