Scam Defense Emulator
Practice on a virtual phone. See the scam on the screen, hear it read aloud, and tap the right moves yourself. This is practice only: no real call or registration happens, and nothing you type is stored or sent.
Known scam call openings
These are representative openings, written by Senior Benefit Assistance from government warnings. Real calls vary, but the red flags repeat. For the official press releases, briefing videos and case documents behind these warnings, see From the press briefings. The defense is always the same: hang up, call back on a number you already trust, and report it.
Social Security imposter
"This call is from the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity. Press 1 now to speak with an officer."
Why it is a scam: Social Security numbers do not get suspended. Threats, a robocall, and "press 1" are the tells.
Free medical equipment (braces)
"Hi, I am calling about the free knee and back braces your Medicare covers. Are you having any pain? I can have one shipped today. I just need to confirm your Medicare number."
Why it is a scam: Real equipment is ordered by your own doctor, not a caller. Prosecutors charged this pattern in Operation Brace Yourself.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Operation Brace Yourself
Free genetic or cancer test
"Medicare now covers a free cancer screening with a simple cheek swab. We will mail the kit to your home. To ship it, I need to verify your Medicare number."
Why it is a scam: If Medicare denies a test your doctor never ordered, you could owe the full cost. Only your own doctor should order genetic testing.
Fake benefit or grocery card
"Good news. You qualify for a grocery card worth hundreds of dollars. You just need to switch to our new plan today. Can you read me the number on your red, white and blue card?"
Why it is a scam: There is no standalone Medicare grocery card. Real grocery benefits come only inside some Medicare Advantage plans, and nobody needs your number to "activate" one.
Family emergency (voice clone)
"Grandma? It is me. I was in a car accident and I am in jail. I need money for bail right now. Please do not tell Mom."
Why it is a scam: Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short clip. Hang up and call your family member back on the number you already have. A family code word helps.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Bank "fraud department" (safe account)
"This is your bank's fraud department. We see suspicious charges. To protect your money, move it to a safe account we set up for you. Do not tell the teller why."
Why it is a scam: No real bank or agency tells you to move money to "protect it". Call the number on your card.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Computer support
"We are getting alerts that your computer has a virus. Let me connect to your computer to fix it. There is a small fee. You can pay with a gift card."
Why it is a scam: Real companies do not call about viruses. Never let a caller into your computer or pay with a gift card.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Prize or lottery
"Congratulations! You have won a cash prize. To release it, you only need to pay the fees first. Most winners use gift cards or a wire transfer."
Why it is a scam: You never pay to collect a real prize. A fee up front, paid by gift card or wire, is a scam.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Not sure about something that happened to you? Use the Am I being scammed? checklist or call a licensed agent at 1-866-340-3441 (TTY 711), free.
Report Medicare fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048) or the HHS Office of Inspector General hotline, 1-800-447-8477. Report other scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.