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MODERATE THREAT · Consumer Fraud

FTC Alert: Deceptive Search Ads Targeting Medicare and Health Insurance

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning regarding deceptive search engine advertisements that impersonate official Medicare and health insurance websites to defraud consumers during Open Enrollment.

10/4/2026Search EnginesSocial Media Platforms

Warning signs

  • Search results labeled as 'Ad' or 'Sponsored' that appear at the top of the page
  • Web addresses that look similar to, but are not, official government domains (e.g., .gov)
  • Use of official-looking logos or branding on non-government websites
  • Offers of 'free' items like cash cards, phones, or groceries in exchange for enrolling in a health plan

What you should do

  • Type the official website address (e.g., Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov) directly into your browser instead of clicking search ads
  • Scroll past 'Ad' or 'Sponsored' search results to find the official .gov website
  • Verify the legitimacy of any health insurance plan before providing personal or financial information
  • Use official resources like the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Senior Medicare Patrol for help comparing plans
  • Report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Scammers are increasingly using paid search advertisements to target individuals looking for health insurance or Medicare plans. These bad actors pay to have their links appear at the top of search results, often using official-looking logos, keywords, and web addresses that closely mimic legitimate government sites like Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov. By clicking these ads, consumers risk being directed to fraudulent plans that are not actual health insurance, or they may expose themselves to medical identity theft. These scams are particularly prevalent during Open Enrollment periods.

Sources

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/10/scammers-are-using-search-ads-trick-you-about-medicarehttps://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/09/what-know-ahead-open-enrollment-avoid-health-insurance-scams