Fraud Alert:
COVID-19 Scams
As the number of people and communities affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use
public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and
because older adults and people with disabilities are at greater risk for
serious illness from COVID-19, they may target these populations.
It’s important to remember that although the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials
may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus,
they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
Scammers rapidly alter their tactics and adapt their schemes
to the changing landscape, and we anticipate that they will leverage the
COVID-19 vaccine to prey on unsuspecting people. Be vigilant and protect
yourself from potential fraud concerning COVID-19 vaccines and
treatments.
Here are things you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine:
- You
likely will not need to pay anything out-of-pocket to get the
vaccine during this public health emergency.
- You
cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
- You
cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
- You
will not be solicited door to door to receive the vaccine.
- No
one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.
- No
one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a
private insurance company, will call you asking for your Medicare
number, Social Security number, or your credit card or bank account
information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) recommends that Medicare
beneficiaries:
- Contact
your own doctor if you are experiencing potential symptoms of
COVID-19.
- Do
not give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or
personal information in response to unsolicited calls, texts,
emails, home visits, or booths at health fairs and other public
venues. If your personal information is compromised, it may be
used in other fraud schemes as well.
- Be
suspicious of anyone going door-to-door to offer free coronavirus or
COVID-19 testing, supplies, treatments, or vaccines.
- Beware
of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to
prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before
paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
- If
you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door
— claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP.
That’s a scam.
- Carefully
review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits
(EOB), looking for errors or claims for products or services that
weren’t received.
- Follow
the instructions of your state or local government for other actions
you should be taking in response to COVID-19.
- Contact
your local SMP for help. SMPs empower and assist Medicare
beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect,
and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready to provide you
with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud,
errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT
your concerns. SMPs help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in
the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with your
questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse
issues. It also provides information and educational presentations. To
locate your local Senior Medicare Patrol, call 1-877-808-2468 or visit www.smpresource.org.
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