Frauds & Scams, Medicare

Don’t Be Misled by False Medicare or Social Security Ads

August 16, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: June 30, 2021

person on latptopOnline and otherwise, there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program and benefit information.

The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).

People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare.” Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting:

  • A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name;
  • A Social Security card to replace a lost card;
  • A Social Security Statement; and
  • A Social Security number for a child.

If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope, to:

Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235

You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising.

You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector General.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Cheri A.

    I have called several times regarding my son’s Medicare card. I don’t understand why I have not received it yet. When I went to the office I put a password on his account so no one could get information unless they know the secret password. I am still waiting for his Medicare card. Which I did both called and physically went to office and requested. I am still w/o it now almost a year later and I cannot access website due to his age. Can someone please help me.

    • AKA

      File to be his representative payee.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Cheri. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

  2. LEIGH H.

    I HAVE BEEB WAITING FOR MED PLUS CARD U AM 83 IB COUPLE MONTHS KEEP leighhoover2@gmail.com ME ITS IN THE MAIL NO WAY

    • Ray F.

      Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.
      For assistance with Social Security benefits and services, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

  3. Janet B.

    why have I not been billed for medicare premiums for 2 yrs?? u;understand that this should be billed quarterly. I receive a small benefit from SS monthly that is applied to my
    premiums but it is not enough to pay them in full.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Janet. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our agents should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

  4. William T.

    when will taxable social security be updated-there has been plenty of inflation in the last 30+ years.

  5. Rosemary S.

    I am getting phone calls about medicare every day. I hang up because they have heavy accents and it sounds like a scam. Am I correct?

    • AKA

      Yep!

    • Cindy D.

      I too am being bombarded with phone calls saying that Medicare supplemental Ins. Co policies will be drastically reduced etc. I currently have AARP Plan N which they say I cannot go to another plan due to being diabetic and have neropathy in my feet and take gabetentin. I would love to have a reduced premium with no copays but anyone I talk to says I cannot change. Plan G in AARP would cost me $400 a month!! How do I stop these phone calls etc. and how do I know for sure they are scam?

  6. Joshua W.

    Inspector:
    I am Joshua William Peterson by birth, true and correct. I am wondering about the litigation of one of my drug prescriptions. Crystalized Methamphetamine. Prescribed to me. I have a lot of outside problems relating to the drug. If you could keep it as confidential as possible I will be be more inclined to tell you more about the prescribed drug. It has a base (the medicine), and two apparatus necessary for use.

  7. Susan H.

    I received an email that said something about my social security statement and wanted me to click on link. I have never received any email about my social security. A statement has never been offered in my 72 years. It felt like a scam so I deleted it and did not click on there link.

    • AKA

      You did the right thing!

  8. Roy L.

    I get daily phone calls from people that say they represent Medicare and are trying to get me to ok the purchase of back, knee, wrist, ,pain cream & ankle braces. Should I be getting these calls or is it a scam?

    I have chronic lower back pain and diabetes type II.

    • AKA

      Scam, see your doctor.

  9. Gillian

    Is it true that Social Security benefits are running out?This is NOT an entitlement……………we have all worked for this benefit…

    • jjo

      Not true.

  10. Morris S.

    “I’m very concern about having any Medicare for personal use, Sense I’m unemployed and also sense I’ve file for my S.S. and hoping and praying that, I may recieve a new medicare by that!”, “”I can’t afford it any other way!”, “”It’s in the LORD’s hands and I’m going leave it there!”, “”He’ll work it out for my soon!”

Comments are closed.