Federal
officials issue new alert on fake genetic testing offers
by
Dena Bunis, AARP, September 5,
2019
En español
| Federal officials are warning Medicare beneficiaries about scammers who offer
them free genetic testing when the real motive is to get your Medicare number
and use it to commit identity theft or other fraud.
"Only a doctor you know and trust should
order and approve any requests for genetic testing,” the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services (CMS) said in an alert sent out late Wednesday. And
falling prey to this scam could cost you — big time. “If Medicare is billed for
a test or screening that wasn't medically necessary and/or wasn't ordered by
your doctor, the claim could be denied,” the CMS warning says. “That means you
could be responsible for the entire cost of the test, which could be thousands
of dollars."
According to CMS these scammers are targeting Medicare
recipients through telemarketing calls and health fairs and even
knocking on doors.
The Office of Inspector General for the
Department of Health and Human Services has some tips on how to protect
yourself against such scams:
·
If you receive a
genetic testing kit in the mail, don't accept it unless it was ordered by your
physician. Refuse the delivery or return it to the sender. Keep a record of the
sender's name and the date you returned the items.
·
Be suspicious of
anyone who offers you “free” genetic testing and then asks for your Medicare
number. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other
fraud schemes.
·
A physician whom you
know and trust should assess your condition and approve any requests for
genetic testing.
·
Medicare beneficiaries
should be cautious of all unsolicited
requests for their Medicare numbers. If anyone other than your
physician's office requests your Medicare information, do not provide it.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact the OIG
Hotline at 800-447-8477.
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can help you spot
and avoid scams. Sign up for free “watchdog alerts,"
review our scam-tracking
map, or call our toll-free fraud helpline
at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.
More on Scams
& Fraud
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