Medicare, TRICARE, and FEDVIP plan users all can make coverage changes during open season, creating tempting targets for scam artists looking to separate you from your personal data or con you into paying for unneeded or nonexistent health services.

A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alert highlighted one type of fraud: Scammers posing as Medicare representatives who contact beneficiaries and ask for personal data before they can send out a new Medicare card. Providing a Medicare number, a bank account, or any similar information to these callers could lead to identity theft or other adverse outcomes.

[2025 RATES: Medicare Part B | TRICARE]

Check out these half-dozen tips to protect yourself while shopping for health coverage, courtesy of the FTC, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other resources:

1. Hang Up, Call Back: Scammers can spoof caller-identification software, making it seem like they’re contacting you from a reputable agency. No matter the request, it’s safer to make a new connection – hang up and call Medicare (1-800-663-4227), TRICARE (find the right number for your coverage/location at TRICARE.mil), or FEDVIP/BENEFEDS (1-877-888-3337).
   
   
2. ‘Free’ Isn’t Free: Many scammers being by offering a courtesy health screening, a sign-up gift, or some other incentive for you to part with your personal data. Not only could this lead to identity theft, it may allow the provider of the “free” test to bill your insurance for any services provided … services your insurance may not cover.
   
   
3. Rules of Engagement: Medicare, TRICARE, and FEDVIP officials will not reach out to you unprompted. The plans have slightly different rules for initiating contact – Medicare reps may reach out if you’ve left a message or reported fraud, for instance – but any out-of-the-blue communication should be a significant red flag.
   
   
4. Find the Source: While web searches can help answer important questions, they can also lead beneficiaries into online traps. Keep to trusted sources like the official sites of Medicare, TRICARE, and FEDVIP/BENEFEDS.
   
   
5. Numbers Matter: Most beneficiaries know to protect bank account and credit card details as a way to prevent financial fraud. But providing a scammer with a Medicare number or other insurance plan information can be just as damaging; be especially careful with this information.
   
   
6. Find Help From MOAA: MOAA offers a range of resources to help you stay safe, to include articles from our financial experts and recorded webinars (available to Premium and Life members) which offer an overview of scams and frauds and ways to protect yourself from cybercrime and scams.

[RELATED: What to Know About TRICARE Costs and Changes This Open Season]

MOAA also takes part in the Cybercrime Support Network’s Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. Get more resources from that organization at this link.