Attorney General Raúl Labrador Warns Idaho Seniors of Medicare Phone Scams

Attorney General Raúl Labrador warns Idaho seniors of Medicare phone scams targeting Social Security numbers and Medicare IDs. Learn how to protect and report fraud.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has issued a consumer alert warning Idaho seniors about a surge in Medicare phone scams that target Social Security numbers, Medicare identification and dates of birth. The state’s Consumer Protection Division has received numerous reports of callers using "professional" scripts to coax sensitive information from older adults.

Scammers typically pose as Medicare representatives, Social Security staff or insurance agents and rely on high-pressure tactics, convincing language and spoofed caller IDs to seem legitimate. Their goal is to obtain a Social Security number, Medicare ID or birthday so they can commit identity theft, bill Medicare fraudulently or sell personal data.

Recognizing these Medicare phone scams is the first step to prevention. Remember that Medicare and the Social Security Administration will not call unexpectedly to ask for your full Social Security number, Medicare ID, bank account or credit card information. If a caller demands immediate action, threatens to cancel benefits or asks you to confirm personal data over the phone, hang up.

Practical steps to protect yourself:
- Never provide your Social Security number, Medicare ID or date of birth to an unsolicited caller.
- Verify the caller by hanging up and calling back using an official number from a statement or the agency’s website (Social Security: 1-800-772-1213; Medicare: 1-800-633-4227).
- Don’t trust caller ID—it can be spoofed.
- Sign up for call-blocking services and report suspicious calls to your phone carrier.
- Monitor your Medicare Summary Notices and bank statements for unfamiliar charges.

If you or a loved one is targeted, report the scam. File a complaint with the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, and contact your local law enforcement. Seniors can also reach out to AARP’s fraud resources for guidance.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s alert underscores the importance of vigilance. By knowing how Medicare phone scams operate and taking practical protective steps, Idaho seniors can reduce their risk of identity theft and financial loss. If in doubt, verify before you share any personal information.

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