Never Sign Anything in Exchange for ‘Free’ Services – It’s a Scam!

Medicare.gov has shared the latest scam targeting older adults!

Scammers, sometimes posing as salespeople, are offering “free” services or gifts. Beware, they may be trying to trick you into signing up for hospice care without your knowledge.

How it works:

1. Scammers text, call, email, post fake ads, or even knock on your door.
2.  They offer “free” gifts or in-home perks, like cooking or cleaning services, protein shakes, medical equipment, or groceries.
3.  In exchange, they may ask for your Medicare Number and ask you to sign a paper.
4.  They’re tricking you into signing up for hospice care, so they can fraudulently bill Medicare for services in your name.

Remember: Never give out your Medicare Number and don’t sign anything for free services — it’s a scam.

Follow this link for details on Reporting Medicare Fraud and Abuse.

If you think you may have experienced fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online at Medicare.gov/fraud.

Hospice care is for people who are terminally ill — and is a serious decision to be made only between you and your doctor.