🩺 A “New Medicare Card” Call, a Look-Alike Ad at the Top of Your Search, a Name to Put on Your Savings and a Campaign “Investment” That Isn’t: Your Scam Watch for This Week

Or: The Front Door Is Still the Best Way In

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Good Thursday morning, neighbors. Pour the coffee, and let’s walk through this week’s short list together. Fall brings Medicare open enrollment, early voting and a lot of folks thinking about their savings before the new year. Scammers know the calendar, too. Most of this week’s tricks try to get you in through a side door: a phone call you didn’t expect, an ad that looks official, a “deal” that sounds too sure. The safe way in is always the front door: a number or website you look up yourself. Nothing here calls for worry, and every item has one simple step.

Here’s what’s on the line: callers claiming Medicare is sending new plastic cards, and paid search ads that pretend to be Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov; a fresh advisory from the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance about investment scams, with one easy safety net called a trusted contact; an FBI warning about election-season money tricks like a “campaign investment pool”; and a calm, step-by-step plan for what to do if you already clicked or paid. One item is Tennessee-wide and the rest are national warnings that reach right into Valley phones and inboxes. We’ll tell you which is which.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Someone calls to send you a “new Medicare card”? Hang up. Medicare already has your number and doesn’t need to call to “verify” it.
• Shopping for a Medicare or health plan online? Skip the ads at the top. Type Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov yourself.
• Have a brokerage or retirement account? Ask your firm about naming a trusted contact, a backup person they can call if something looks wrong.
• Offered a “guaranteed return” on a campaign donation? That’s a scam. The FBI says donations are not investments.
• Already clicked or paid? Call your bank or card company first, using the number on the back of your card.
• Need local help? In Dunlap, call police at (423) 949-3319 or non-emergency dispatch at (423) 949-9912.

🩺 “Medicare Is Sending New Plastic Cards” Is a Fib, and So Is That Ad at the Top

National: AARP, the Federal Trade Commission and USA TODAY

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and changes you make take effect Jan. 1. In a USA TODAY report published Oct. 19, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network said its helpline is already hearing about callers who claim Medicare is replacing cards. “Scammers may say something like, ‘Medicare cards are being replaced with hard plastic cards, like credit cards, and we need your Medicare number to send you one,'” said Amy Nofziger, AARP’s senior director of victim support. Other versions claim the new card has a chip, or that you need a different color card. None of it is true. Nofziger noted that Medicare doesn’t need to call you to verify your number because it already has it.

The same report pointed to a quieter trick. The FTC warned in late September that some scammers and dishonest businesses pay to show up at the top of search results, using official-looking logos and web addresses that look close to the real government sites. “If you use the link or phone number in the ad, you might end up paying for a scammy plan that’s not health insurance, or expose yourself to medical identity theft,” the FTC said.

What it means for you: Your Medicare number is like the key to the smokehouse. You don’t hand it to somebody just because they knocked and said they’re from the key company. AARP suggests keeping your Medicare card in a safe place at home and carrying it only when you know you’ll need it. When you compare plans, scroll past anything labeled “Sponsored” or “Ad,” type Medicare.gov yourself, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Free, unbiased help comparing plans is available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiphelp.org or 877-839-2675.

👉 Read more (USA TODAY via Post and Courier: FTC warns Medicare scammers are buying their way into search results) · FTC: Avoid health insurance scams during Open Enrollment

💼 Tennessee Regulators Say: Put a Trusted Name on Your Savings

Statewide: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Securities Division

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Securities Division has issued an advisory, reported Oct. 19 by 3B Media News, urging Tennesseans to stay alert to a rise in financial fraud. State regulators said these schemes increasingly use digital asset (crypto) pitches, social media, AI-powered impersonation and efforts to take advantage of the trust and goodwill of seniors.

TDCI’s tips are short and sensible: ask questions and be skeptical, and walk away from anything that sounds too good to be true; look up the person and the firm on BrokerCheck; make sure whoever is offering the investment is registered; understand the risks, including that you could lose everything you put in; and name a trusted contact on your brokerage account. Early reporting matters. The Securities Division can be reached at (615) 741-2947 or toll-free at (800) 863-9117.

What it means for you: A trusted contact is like leaving a neighbor’s number on the fridge when you go out of town. If your financial firm notices something odd, or can’t reach you, it has someone to call. Federal investor guidance says a trusted contact can’t make trades or move your money. They’re simply a backup set of ears. Next time you talk with your bank, broker or retirement plan, ask: “Can I add a trusted contact?” It takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

👉 Read more (3B Media News: Tennessee regulators warn on rising digital and AI financial scams) · Investor.gov: Why you should consider adding a trusted contact

🗳️ Early Voting Is Underway. A Campaign “Investment” Is Not a Thing.

National: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

No matter who you’re supporting this fall, this one’s worth knowing. On Oct. 15, the FBI warned that scammers may use the 2026 midterm election to pull off money schemes. It listed several: a “campaign investment pool” that promises a guaranteed payout if a candidate wins and asks you to recruit others; fake political committees that collect donations and keep the money; campaign merchandise that never ships; and texts or emails saying you’re not registered to vote, with a link to a fake registration page. The FBI also said scammers can use AI to make realistic voices, pictures and messages that impersonate candidates, campaigns and government offices.

What it means for you: A campaign donation is like dropping money in the offering plate. It goes to a cause, and it doesn’t come back with interest. The FBI says plainly that donations are not an investment and won’t grow or be returned. If you want to give, go to the campaign or committee’s own website by typing it in yourself, not through a link in a text. To check your voter registration, the FBI points to vote.gov, which will send you to Tennessee’s official site.

👉 Read more (FBI IC3: Scammers exploit 2026 midterm election to perpetrate multiple fraud schemes)

🖱️ Already Clicked or Paid? Here’s Your Calm Step-by-Step

National: Federal Trade Commission

It happens to careful people every day, and it’s not a reason for shame. What matters is what you do next. The FTC’s “What To Do if You Were Scammed” guide boils it down by how the money or information left your hands:

• Paid by credit or debit card? Call the number on the back of the card right away and ask for a refund. Federal law protects you from unauthorized card use.
• Paid by Zelle, bank transfer or a payment app? Report it to your bank or the app immediately and ask them to reverse the payment.
• Paid with a gift card? Call the gift card company using the number on the back, tell them a scammer got the number and PIN, and keep the card and receipt.
• Sent cash in the mail? Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. For a fee, they may be able to stop the package.
• Gave out your Social Security number? Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a free recovery plan.
• Gave a password or let someone into your computer? Change the password, turn on two-step login, update your security software and run a scan.

What it means for you: Think of it like a kitchen grease fire. You don’t stand there feeling bad about it. You put the lid on fast. With scams, the lid is a phone call to your bank or card company, and the sooner the better. After that, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and let local police know.

👉 Read more (FTC: What to do if you were scammed) · IdentityTheft.gov

✅ Your Front-Porch Scam Checklist

• ✅ Medicare isn’t calling to send you a new plastic card. Hang up and keep your Medicare number to yourself.
• ✅ Keep your Medicare card at home in a safe place, and bring it only when you need it.
• ✅ Comparing plans? Type Medicare.gov yourself or call 1-800-633-4227. Skip the “Sponsored” results.
• ✅ Want free plan help? Call SHIP at 877-839-2675 or visit shiphelp.org.
• ✅ Ask your bank, broker or retirement plan about adding a trusted contact.
• ✅ Check any investment pitch with TDCI Securities at (800) 863-9117 before you hand over a dime.
• ✅ Campaign donations don’t pay you back. Anyone promising a return is running a scam.
• ✅ Already paid? Call the number on the back of your card first, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to local police.

The practical rule: Don’t use the side door they built for you. Hang up, close the ad, and go in the front door with a number or website you look up yourself.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Glossary

• Medicare open enrollment: The yearly window, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, when people on Medicare can change their health or drug plans for next year.
• Medicare number: The ID number on your red, white and blue Medicare card. Scammers want it so they can bill Medicare in your name.
• Medical identity theft: When someone uses your Medicare or insurance information to get care, equipment or payments, which can leave wrong information on your records.
• Sponsored result (search ad): A link a business paid to put at the top of your search page. It isn’t always the real site.
• SHIP: The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which gives free, unbiased help comparing Medicare plans.
• Trusted contact: A person you name on a financial account whom the firm can call if it suspects fraud or can’t reach you. They can’t make trades or move your money.
• BrokerCheck: A free online tool for looking up the background of investment professionals and firms.
• Digital asset: Another name for cryptocurrency and similar online “coins” or tokens.
• Two-step login (two-factor authentication): An extra check, like a code sent to your phone, that keeps someone with your password from getting into your account.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medicare switching to plastic cards or cards with a chip?

No. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network says calls claiming Medicare is sending new plastic, chip or different-color cards are scams meant to get your Medicare number. Medicare already has your number and doesn’t need to call to verify it. If you’re unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

How can I tell if a Medicare website is real?

The FTC says scammers sometimes pay to appear at the top of search results with look-alike addresses and logos. Type Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov into your browser yourself instead of clicking an ad, and don’t call a phone number you found in an ad.

When can I change my Medicare plan?

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and changes take effect Jan. 1. For free help comparing plans, contact SHIP at shiphelp.org or 877-839-2675.

What is a trusted contact, and can they take my money?

A trusted contact is someone your bank or brokerage can call if it suspects fraud or can’t reach you. Federal investor guidance says the trusted contact has no authority to make trades or move money in your account. Ask your firm how to add one.

Someone offered me a sure-fire investment. How do I check it?

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance suggests asking questions, looking up the person and firm on BrokerCheck and confirming they’re registered. You can also call the TDCI Securities Division at (615) 741-2947 or (800) 863-9117.

I got a text saying I’m not registered to vote. What should I do?

Don’t click the link. The FBI warns these texts can lead to fake registration pages. Check your registration yourself by going to vote.gov, which directs you to Tennessee’s official site, or call your county election commission.

I already clicked a link or paid someone. Is it too late?

Act quickly, but don’t panic. Call your bank, card company or payment app using the number on your card or statement and ask them to reverse the payment. Change any password you gave out and turn on two-step login. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, to the Tennessee Attorney General at tn.gov/consumer and to local police (Dunlap Police: (423) 949-3319). If your Social Security number was taken, IdentityTheft.gov has a step-by-step plan.

🔗 Other Resources

• Medicare.gov · 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · SHIP free plan counseling · 877-839-2675
• FTC: Medicare impersonators · FTC: Open Enrollment scams
• TDCI Securities Division advisory (3B Media News) · (615) 741-2947 · (800) 863-9117
• BrokerCheck · Investor.gov: Trusted contacts
• FBI: Election-season fraud schemes · vote.gov
• FTC: What to do if you were scammed · IdentityTheft.gov
• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · 877-908-3360
• TN Attorney General: Scams, Schemes & Swindles · BBB Scam Tracker · Chattanooga BBB: 423-266-6144
• Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · FBI: ic3.gov

🌄 Rest Easy: The Front Door Is Always Open to You

Here’s the calm takeaway: Medicare already knows who you are, the real government sites are a few keystrokes away, a trusted contact is a free safety net, and a campaign donation is a gift, not a get-rich plan. Every scam on this week’s list builds a side door and hopes you’ll walk through it. You don’t have to. Hang up, close the ad, and use the front door, a number or website you looked up yourself. And if you ever do slip through a side door, a quick call to your bank puts the lid back on.

Share this with the neighbor comparing Medicare plans, the friend with a retirement account, or the relative who gets a lot of texts this time of year. We’ll keep watch and bring you what’s new. Read Dunlap.Today and sign up for our newsletter for plain-English scam alerts and Valley news.