CORONAVIRUS SCAMS FRAUD ALERT—2020
California Senior Medicare Patrol Warning!
Beware of offers to test for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Don’t give your Medicare number to anyone over the phone or to door-to-door solicitors offering to test for the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
Beware of:
· Scammers approaching residents of senior housing and assisted living facilities about “opportunities” for COVID-19 testing.
· Robocalls about “special virus kits” and asking for your Medicare number to send a “free” test.
· Emails offering COVID-19 testing services that can be ordered through a telehealth provider.
855-613-7080 for additional information on healthcare fraud, visit
cahealthadvocates.org
The Senior Medicare Patrol recommends that Medicare beneficiaries:
· Contact your own doctor if you are experiencing potential symptoms of the Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 and need testing.
· 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.
· Be suspicious of robocalls or anyone going door-to-door to offer free Coronavirus or COVID-19 testing, supplies, or treatments. These are scams.
· Carefully review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits, 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.
· DO NOT SURRENDER PERSONAL INFORMATION TO OUTSIDERS. REMEMBER THE WORD “SCAM”.