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Scam teardown
The fake "Medicare benefits expiring" text
By Lajhem Cambridge, Founder of Lorna · Published Oct 20, 2026
Has a text like this arrived on your phone?
Text message
+1 (213) 555-01721
Today 9:12 AM
Medicare Notice: Your record is out of date. Your 2027 benefits will expire on 10/312 unless you verify. Call 1-888-555-0143 today with your Medicare number3 to keep your coverage.
It looks like Medicare. It's a scam built for open enrollment season.
- 1
It came out of the blue. Medicare doesn't reach out first to tell you your record needs fixing. An unexpected message about Medicare is a red flag.
- 2
The fear of losing coverage is the trick. A deadline on your health care pushes you to call before you stop and check.
- 3
It wants your Medicare number. Share it only with your doctor or people helping you with Medicare that you reached out to yourself.
Your calm next step
Don't call that number. Just delete the text. Worried about your coverage? Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself, or a free Medicare counselor through your state's SHIP program at 877-839-2675.
Not sure?
Text Lorna a screenshot before you reply. Lorna will help you check if it's real.
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