Scammers have recently been targeting Medicare recipients with fake offers to get “free COVID tests,” the Federal Trade Commission reports. The crooks are calling, running websites, and posting online and television ads to convince people to provide their Medicare information. And if you do so, they’ll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare.
“We’re hearing about many Medicare recipients who signed up for these free COVID tests and never got them,” the FTC said.
What’s worse is that with your Medicare information the thieves could also bill for other products and services you didn’t need and didn’t get. And fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage.
Although the cash from these billings doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need.
So, check your Medicare Summary Notice to confirm that you and Medicare are only being charged for services you really got.
Also, Medicare does indeed cover eight free COVID-19 tests a month, but no one from Medicare will call you with an offer.
If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free COVID test,” hang up. Medicare beneficiaries can get free tests at participating pharmacies.
Meanwhile, never give your Medicare or other personal information to anyone who calls asking for it.
Also, anyone offering to help you…
