Consumer protection
Medicare scams and misleading advertising
Unexpected calls, mail, texts and advertisements can lead to unwanted plan changes, financial loss or identity theft. Learn the warning signs, what not to share and how to verify a claim using a number you trust.
Seven scams to watch for
You are told to get a new Medicare card
A Medicare impersonator may ask for personal or payment information to send a new card. Medicare cards are sent automatically and do not require a fee. If you need a replacement, end the unexpected call and contact Medicare through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
You are told your Medicare benefits are canceling or have been canceled
A scammer will get in touch and claim you are at risk of losing your Medicare coverage. They might leverage this threat to get personal information or money. They will use urgency to pressure you into responding.
Anything that leads to requesting your Social Security number
Do not give your Medicare or Social Security number to an unexpected caller. Medicare asks for personal information by phone only in limited situations, such as returning a call you initiated. Independently verify an agent or insurer using a number you already trust.
You are offered a rebate or refund for medical expenses
Scammers may claim you are owed a refund and ask you to confirm personal or banking details. Do not use the caller's contact information. End the conversation and call your carrier or health care provider at the number on your card or statement to verify the claim.
You are offered free or discounted tests and equipment
Some scams promise free or discounted equipment and services in exchange for your Medicare or credit card number. They may claim to be a representative of Medicare. Any offer of free products should be verified with your trusted professional or a direct Medicare representative.
You receive inaccurate or expensive medical bills
Requesting an itemized bill for any healthcare services you receive can help you spot billing fraud and protect you from paying more than you need to.
Someone calls claiming to be from our office
We have had clients report callers who claimed to be from our office and tried to switch their plan or collect personal information. Do not rely on incoming caller ID, even if it displays our published number. Hang up, independently dial the number on this website, and ask whether CSG tried to reach you. Do not share a Medicare number, Social Security number or payment information with an unexpected caller.
Read beyond the headline
Four checks for a Medicare advertisement
An advertisement can emphasize a real benefit while leaving out the limits that determine whether it is available or useful to you. Verify the exact plan before making a coverage decision.
Confirm the exact plan name and enter your own Arizona ZIP code. Benefits and plan availability can differ by plan and location.
Ask about benefit limits, qualifying conditions, provider networks and prior authorization, not only the largest number shown in an advertisement.
Do not provide bank or credit-card information just to receive a quote. Medicare says plans do not need that information to give you one.
Compare what a broker represents with Medicare Plan Compare or 1-800-MEDICARE if you want to review all options available in your area.
Not sure whether a call was really from us?
Do not trust incoming caller ID. Hang up, independently dial the number published on this website and ask whether CSG tried to reach you. We would far rather verify a call than untangle an unwanted plan change.
Or explore our Medicare FAQs and latest articles.