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Scam teardown
The fake "official" health plan search result
By Lajhem Cambridge, Founder of Lorna · Published Oct 25, 2026
Quick answer
Type Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov in yourself. Skip results labeled "Ad" or "Sponsored," and make sure the address ends in .gov.
Have you seen a search result like this?
Sponsored1
medicare-plan-finder-gov.com2
Official Medicare Plan Finder | Compare Plans Today
Talk to an enrollment specialist: (800) 555-01393
It looks like Medicare.gov. It's an ad paying to sit on top.
- 1
"Sponsored" or "Ad" at the top. Scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes pay to appear first when you search. Look for the small "Ad" or "Sponsored" label and scroll past it.
- 2
The address almost matches. Fake sites use addresses, keywords, and logos that look like the real Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov. The real ones end in .gov.
- 3
A number to call right from the ad. If you call or tap through, you might pay for a plan that isn't real health insurance, or have your medical identity stolen.
Your calm next step
Type the site name in yourself. For Medicare, go to Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227. For Marketplace plans, go to HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596. For free help comparing Medicare plans, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Not sure?
Text Lorna a screenshot of the search result before you tap or call. Lorna will help you check if it's the real site.
Suspect a health insurance scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it involves Medicare, report it at Medicare.gov or 800-633-4227.
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