Fraud Alert: Genetic Testing Scam

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General has issued a fraud alert warning that free DNA tests are being sent and offered to  seniors in a sophisticated scheme to commit fraud and identity theft.   Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries free cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information. The fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs, and door-to-door visits.

If a beneficiary agrees to genetic testing or verifies personal or Medicare information, a testing kit is sent even if it is not ordered by a physician or medically necessary. Companies offering the tests use the information gathered to steal identities and/or to bill Medicare for unnecessary tests.  

The fraud alert offers these suggestions for elders:

• If a genetic testing kit is mailed to you, 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 requests your Medicare number. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.

• A physician that you know and trust should approve any requests for genetic testing.

• Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of 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 HHS OIG Hotline.

Please share this information with your senior family members and friends, particularly vulnerable seniors who may not be able tp protect themselves.  Remind your family and loved ones that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true.