(BPT) - Medicare fraud isn't just a crime, it's a direct attack on your benefits, your taxpayer dollars and your personal medical records. That's why Medicare is taking action to stop fraud before it happens. But even with new tools and record-breaking enforcement efforts, Medicare needs your help.

How you can help fight fraud

One of the most powerful weapons against Medicare fraud is you, an informed person with Medicare who knows how to spot a scam.

Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to steal Medicare numbers and use them to submit false claims for services that were never provided or never needed.

Your Medicare number is valuable to criminals. If scammers gain access to it, they can bill Medicare in your name and leave false information in your medical records. That misinformation could interfere with your ability to receive the care you need.

When you spot fraud — report it right away by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The scams are getting bolder

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They use phone calls, text messages, emails, social media and even door-to-door visits to target older Americans.

One of the fastest-growing scams involves hospice and home health fraud. Scammers pose as salespeople and offer seemingly "free" services such as cooking, cleaning, medical equipment, transportation or nutritional products in exchange for your signature. Their goal is to get people with Medicare to sign paperwork that enrolls them in hospice or home health services they don't need. This allows scammers to bill Medicare while taking away access to care you may need in the future.

Other common scams include:

• Fake genetic testing schemes – Offers for "free" DNA testing at health fairs, community events or over the phone in exchange for your Medicare number.
• Durable medical equipment fraud – Billing Medicare for wheelchairs, knee braces, back braces or other equipment you never received or never needed.

The rule is simple: If someone offers you something for "free" in exchange for your Medicare number, it's a scam. Hang up. Delete the message. Walk away. And report it.

Protect. Detect. Report.

You can help stop Medicare fraud by following three simple steps:

PROTECT your Medicare card like you would your Social Security number. Only share your Medicare number with trusted health care providers, hospitals or pharmacies. Medicare will never call you unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number.

DETECT fraud by reviewing your Medicare claims statements. Make sure every service listed is one you received. Watch for red flags such as duplicate charges or services you don't recognize.

REPORT suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting Medicare.gov/Fraud. Reporting concerns quickly helps Medicare identify patterns and stop scammers before they can target others.

Help keep Medicare strong — let's protect it together

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year, but the damage goes beyond financial losses. Fraud can compromise medical records, undermine trust in the health care system and harm beneficiaries who depend on Medicare every day.

By staying alert, safeguarding your Medicare information and reporting suspicious activity, you can help stop fraud before it starts.

Get wise. Together, we can crush Medicare fraud.

To learn more, visit www.medicare.gov/fraud. To report potential fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).