SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – If someone comes to your door or gives you a call and offers you a free phone that is supposedly from your insurance company, don’t bite, as it’s most likely a scam.

Some South Lake Tahoe residents have had a person come to their home this week, telling them they are getting a brand new phone from Medicare.  The only catch is that the person offering the phone needs your insurance card to scan it. They then state they need to take your new phone to their car to program it.  A South Lake Tahoe resident let this person scan their card, then instead of “programming” her new phone, they drove off with it, and now have important personal information. They no longer need your insurance card as they have already scanned it on their device.

This scam can also occur over the phone. With both methods, the person often uses high-pressure tactics, but Medicare never calls you unexpectedly asking for personal info, nor will they come to your door with a free phone.

How the Scam Works
  1. The Call: You get an unsolicited call, often automated or from a live person, claiming to be Medicare or a related provider.
  2. The Offer: They promise a “free” phone, medical alert device, flex card, or new Medicare card if you “verify” your details or press a button.
  3. The Goal: To get your Medicare ID, Social Security Number, or bank info to commit fraud, like billing for fake services or supplies.
Key Red Flags
  • Unsolicited Call: Medicare won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue asking for personal info.
  • High Pressure: Aggressive tactics, urgency, or threats of interrupted coverage.
  • “Free” Offers: Be wary of “free” phones, cards, or cash back—these are lures.
  • Spoofing: Calls look like they’re from local numbers or trusted sources. 
What to Do
  • Hang Up: End the call immediately.
  • Don’t Share: Never give your Medicare number, Social Security, or bank details over the phone.
  • Verify: Call the official number on the back of your Medicare card (1-800-MEDICARE) to check if a call was legitimate.
  • Report: Report the scam to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Block: Block the number if possible, but scammers change numbers often. 

If they come to your door, close it, or don’t even open if you don’t know the person. If feeling unsafe, call law enforcement.

Another popular scam is to get access to EBT cards by offering a gift card if they can scan it.

Do not let your identification or medical cards out of your hands if these people come to your door, and don’t give this information over the phone.

Report immediately if this happens to you, don’t share details, and report calls to 1-800-MEDICARE or ReportFraud.ftc.gov,

For more information on scams, visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams.