Is an NHS or Medicare contact asking for my personal details to send a new card real?
No. The NHS and Medicare do not contact patients to gather details for card replacement — this is an impersonation scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Healthcare impersonation scams target elderly people and migrants by impersonating the NHS (UK) or Medicare (US). A caller claims your health card or National Health Service number needs updating and asks for personal details, date of birth, and sometimes banking details for 'insurance record' purposes. This information is used for identity theft, benefit fraud, or to access your medical records. The NHS sends replacement cards automatically when needed — they do not call to ask for your details. Medicare contacts you by post, not by cold call requesting information. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the relevant agency using a number from their official website.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call from someone claiming to represent the NHS or Medicare
- Asks for your health number, date of birth, or national insurance number
- Requests banking details to update insurance records
- Urgency — card will be cancelled if you do not verify today
What to do now
- Hang up without providing any information
- Contact the relevant agency directly using a number from their official website
- Report the call to your national fraud authority
- Alert elderly or vulnerable family members who may be targeted
Frequently asked questions
Does the NHS or Medicare ever call patients?
They may call for appointment-related purposes. They do not make cold calls asking for personal details to update records or issue new cards.