Unfortunately, scams are a part of today’s world—and the insurance space isn’t immune.
Every agent dreads the call from a frightened client who realizes they’ve been duped by a fraudulent offer. The good news? With the right guidance and awareness, you can empower your clients to spot trouble before it happens.
Here are practical ways to protect them.
Stay Informed About Common Scam Tactics
One of the most effective things you can do is stay up to date on the latest fraud trends. New scams constantly surface in the health and Medicare space, from fake “genetic testing” offers to aggressive phone-based schemes.
Regularly check:
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Industry news
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Agent forums
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Carrier and FMO alerts
Scammers target beneficiaries and agents, so staying informed protects everyone.
Whenever you learn about a new scam strategy, reach out to your clients—whether through email, a courtesy call, or a quick newsletter—to give them a heads up. Your responsibility to protect your clients doesn’t end after the enrollment is complete.
Tips to Share With Clients to Prevent Health Insurance Scams
Below are three simple yet powerful reminders your clients should keep in mind.
1. Guard Medicare and Social Security Information
Personal information—especially Medicare and Social Security numbers—should be treated like gold. Remind clients never to share this information with anyone they don’t already know and trust. That includes phone calls, emails, text messages, or unexpected visits.
Medicare.gov emphasizes that beneficiaries should only share their Medicare Number with:
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Licensed agents or brokers
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Their insurance plan or carrier
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Healthcare providers
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Trusted partners like SHIP counselors
If anyone calls asking for personal information, money, or making threats about canceling coverage, they should immediately hang up and contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
Make sure clients understand:
Saying “no” to a stranger asking for private information isn’t rude—it’s smart.
Also remind them to:
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Treat their Medicare card like a credit card
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Request a replacement if it’s lost or stolen
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Report suspicious use
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Review their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) carefully each month
If anything on the EOB looks unfamiliar, you can guide them on how to report it.
2. Be Cautious About Unexpected Calls, Texts & Emails
With AI technology making voice clones and impersonations more believable, scammers have more tools than ever. Encourage clients to ignore alarming or unexpected calls, and instead reach out directly to the number they know belongs to Medicare, their plan, or to you.
Remind them that:
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Medicare will never call to ask for personal information.
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Scammers commonly claim they need info to “activate a card” or prevent a made-up penalty.
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Threats about canceling coverage are a major red flag.
Fraudulent texts and emails can also look incredibly real. They often include links to fake websites designed to steal information.
Advise clients to:
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Avoid clicking any unfamiliar links
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Ignore messages requesting personal details
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Report suspicious contact
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Call you if they’re unsure
Let them know you’re a safe resource whenever they feel uncertain.
3. Remember: “Free” Offers Usually Come With Strings Attached
A common scam involves offering a “free” product—like a pill organizer, medical device, or gift—in exchange for personal details. Even giving out a name and phone number can put a client at risk.
Teach clients that:
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If someone wants personal info in return, it’s not truly free
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Scammers can misuse even small pieces of data
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Sharing information could also put them in the sights of unethical agents
Encourage them to politely decline anything that seems too good to be true. Protecting themselves is far more important than a small free item.
Final Thoughts
These tips can go a long way in helping your clients—and you—avoid falling into the traps set by scammers. Position yourself as their trusted advisor, and remind them that you’re always available to help verify anything that feels suspicious.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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