The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says these schemes become more common during enrollment periods, when millions of Americans review their insurance options. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, a period when beneficiaries can compare plans and make changes to their coverage. Officials are urging consumers to verify websites and phone numbers before sharing personal information.
Paid Search Results Can Lead Medicare Users to Fraudulent Websites
According to the FTC’s September 28 consumer alert, scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes purchase advertisements that place their websites above legitimate search results. These pages may feature addresses resembling government domains, familiar logos and keywords associated with Medicare or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The advertisements can direct users to services that are not genuine health insurance plans. In other cases, the websites are designed to collect personal information that can be used for medical identity theft. The FTC issued a similar warning in June, highlighting how paid search placements can make fraudulent businesses appear connected to government health programs.
Michael Ryan, a financial expert and founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek that the deception often begins with an ordinary internet search. Consumers may click the first result, believing they have reached an official government website. “They don’t have to hack Medicare. They just have to catch someone on the way to it,” Ryan said.
The consequences can extend beyond an initial payment. Fraudsters may use stolen Medicare numbers to submit false medical claims, while consumers could discover that the coverage they purchased does not provide the benefits they expected.
The FTC reported in May that fraud, errors and abuse cost taxpayers approximately $60 billion annually. Medicare-related fraud can also involve duplicate billing, charges for medical equipment never received and fraudulent prescription drug plans.
Officials Warn About Impersonation Calls and Offer Ways To Avoid Scams
Fraudulent websites are not the only concern. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also warned about unsolicited calls and text messages from individuals impersonating Medicare representatives.
According to WMTV, a Dodge County, Wisconsin, woman received a call claiming that her Medicare information needed updating. She declined to provide the requested details and reported the incident. Other reported schemes involved messages warning that health benefits were about to expire. Some directed recipients to telephone numbers where callers were asked to pay for information verification.
The BBB’s Scam Tracker recorded just over 1,000 scam reports in Wisconsin during the preceding 90 days, although that figure covers various types of scams rather than Medicare fraud alone. Lisa Schiller of the BBB advised consumers not to respond to unexpected Medicare-related calls, texts or emails. The organization also warns that caller identification can be manipulated to display misleading numbers.
For reliable information, the FTC recommends visiting Medicare.gov directly or calling 800-633-4227. Consumers should identify advertisements labeled “Ad” or “Sponsored” and verify that government websites use the .gov domain.
People comparing coverage can also contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program or local Senior Medicare Patrol. Suspected fraud can be reported through ReportFraud.ftc.gov or Medicare’s official website.
