Medicare 2026
Medicare scams during enrollment season in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. — Your Medicare number is a lot like a credit card. If the wrong person gets hold of it, they can run up bills in your name, drain benefits you may need later, and leave you sorting through months of confusing paperwork. The good news: a few simple habits can keep your number safe and help you spot trouble early.
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Key takeaways
- Treat your Medicare number like a credit card — never share it with strangers who call, text, email, or knock on your door.
- Medicare will not call you out of the blue asking for your number, bank details, or payment.
- Check your Medicare Summary Notice or your online account at Medicare.gov for charges you don't recognize.
- If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact the North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for free help.
Medicare fraud costs the program billions of dollars each year, and Durham residents are not immune. Local scammers often pose as Medicare workers, pharmacy staff, or even friendly neighbors offering "free" braces, test kits, or genetic screenings in exchange for your Medicare number. Here is how to guard your card and know what to do if something feels off.
Why your Medicare number matters
Since 2018, Medicare cards use a random Medicare Beneficiary Identifier instead of your Social Security number. That was a big step forward — but the new number is still valuable to criminals. With it, a scammer can bill Medicare for medical equipment, tests, or services you never received. Those false claims can eat into benefits you actually need, and cleaning them up takes time.
Durham is in Durham County, where beneficiaries have a wide range of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D options to choose from during enrollment. That variety is a good thing, but it also gives scammers more cover — they may pretend to be from "a new plan in your area" to trick you into handing over information.
Common scams to watch for in Durham
Local Senior Medicare Patrol volunteers say a few schemes come up again and again:
- "Free" medical equipment offers. A caller says Medicare will send you a back brace, knee brace, or diabetic supplies at no cost — they just need your Medicare number.
- Genetic or cancer screening kits. Someone at a health fair, church event, or shopping center offers a free cheek swab in exchange for your card.
- Fake plan agents. A stranger shows up at your door or calls claiming to represent "Medicare" and pressures you to switch plans on the spot.
- Refund or new card scams. A caller says you're owed money or that Medicare is issuing new cards and needs to "verify" your number.
Medicare will never call, text, or email you out of the blue to ask for your number or payment information. If someone does, hang up.
Simple steps to protect your number
You don't need to be tech-savvy to keep your Medicare number safe. A few basic rules go a long way:
1. Guard your card. Carry it only when you need it — for a doctor visit or a new pharmacy. Otherwise, leave it in a safe place at home. 2. Share only with trusted providers. Your doctor, hospital, pharmacist, and licensed insurance agent may need it. A stranger on the phone does not. 3. Shred old paperwork. Medicare Summary Notices, explanation of benefits letters, and pill bottle labels can all contain personal details. 4. Review your statements. Check your Medicare Summary Notice every three months, or log in to your account at Medicare.gov to see claims in real time. 5. Be skeptical of "free." If an offer sounds too good — free equipment, free groceries, free gift cards in exchange for your Medicare number — walk away.
How to spot fraud on your statements
When your Medicare Summary Notice arrives, look at each line. Ask yourself:
- Did I actually receive this service or item?
- Was the date and provider correct?
- Was I billed for the same thing twice?
If something looks wrong, start by calling the provider's office — sometimes it is just a billing mistake. If the answer doesn't add up, report it.
Where to get help in North Carolina
You have free, unbiased resources right here in the state:
- Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for questions about claims, your card, or replacing a lost one.
- North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which trains volunteers to help you review statements and report suspected fraud.
- North Carolina SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program), the state's SHIP, for free, one-on-one counseling about your coverage and enrollment questions.
Keep those numbers near your phone. If you ever feel pressured or unsure, hang up and call one of them before sharing anything.
By the numbers
Medicare Part B premium, 2006–2026
The standard monthly Part B premium has climbed from $88.50 in 2006 to $202.90 in 2026. Hover any point for that year’s premium.
Source: CMS. Standard premium shown; in some hold-harmless years many existing enrollees paid less. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
By the numbers
How people get Medicare in Durham County
(MA penetration in Durham County)
MA penetration from CMS enrollment data; Medigap share is an estimate. U.S. average is about 54% Medicare Advantage. These are area-level figures, not plan-specific.
Explore
When can you enroll? An interactive year
Enrollment windows are federal and the same nationwide. Confirm your personal dates at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
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The parts of Medicare
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I already gave my Medicare number to a scammer?
Will Medicare ever call me to ask for my number?
How do I get a new Medicare card if mine is lost or stolen?
Do I need to worry about fraud during Annual Enrollment?
- Medicare.gov / Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) fraud resources
For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP.
Also for Durham
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This page was last updated: September 2026.