Islander received such a call. Shares warning.
||| FROM CINCINNATI.COM, reprint at request of Orcasonian reader |||
Be on the lookout, again, for a scam by people looking to steal Medicare information.
The Better Business Bureau said they are seeing a “resurgence” of scammers claiming to offer “free” genetic testing kits that allegedly screen for heart conditions or cancer.
However, that call is a scam to steal Medicare information for fraudulent billing or identity theft.
“You get a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or an official-sounding organization. The caller claims to be providing free genetic testing kits. All you need to do is agree to receive a kit in the mail, swab your cheek, and return the vial. The test will tell you if you have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, cancer, or another common condition,” the BBB said. “The caller insists that the test will be totally covered by Medicare.”
If you agree, the scammer will then say that they need your Medicare ID number and a lot of personal information before they mail the kit.
“Targets of this scam report being asked extensive questions about their health, such as family medical history and previous diagnoses,” the BBB said.
This scam has had plenty of iterations: scammers have gone door-to-door or set up tables at health fairs.
“While genetic testing is a legitimate service – some victims do actually receive a genetic testing kit – the scammers are trying to commit fraud by billing Medicare for the unnecessary tests. For the victims, these cons can lead to medical identity theft and, in some instances, a bill for thousands of dollars. Consumers should always consult with their primary care doctor before agreeing to tests,” the BBB said.
Here’s how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, according to the Better Business Bureau
- Be wary of any lab tests at senior centers, health fairs, or in your home.
- Be suspicious of anyone claiming that genetic tests and cancer screenings are “free” or “covered by Medicare.” If a product or test is truly “free,” you will not have to provide your Medicare number.
- Don’t share your Medicare number.
- Do not trust any name or phone number. Con artists often use official-sounding names or appear to be calling from a government agency or related area code.
- Medicare will never call you to confirm your personal information, your Medicare number, or ask questions about your personal health.
- Report Medicare fraud to Medicare.gov.
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