Scammers may be targeting Medicare billing.

Some people have little to no empathy for others.

Rather than working to provide value to others, these individuals often steal and manipulate to steal the hard-earned savings of others.

These people are called thieves, robbers, con artists, scammers, and frauds.

According to a recent Money Talks News article titled “This Medicare Scam Offers Free COVID-19 Tests,” they can often be especially convincing when running scams.

Medicare scammers are offering free COVID tests to get billing information.

Scammers often use a variety of means to dupe their marks such as phone calls, fake websites, fake internet ads, and even television.

Seniors are common targets for these unsavory individuals.

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a recent scam involves Medicare.

The thieves have been offering free COVID tests.

Because seniors who are on Medicare can receive up to eight at-home COVID tests for free each month and because the government offers up to 16 free test kits per American household for non-seniors, the scam is believable.

These tests are available at participating pharmacies or through the U.S. Postal Service.

When requesting through the mail, providing medical information will not be required.

When scammers are involved, this information is sought out and seniors do not receive these tests.

Unfortunately, the problem can get far worse than not receiving promised COVID tests.

These scammers can make fraudulent charges for medical services the senior never received.

To check whether you or a loved one has become a victim of Medicare fraud, you should regularly review your Medicare Summary Notice documents.

Make note of any services or goods you did not receive.

Charges made in your name can affect your coverage.

How can you avoid scammers seeking Medicare information?

If you receive a call from someone who says they are affiliated with Medicare offering free COVID tests, simply hang up.

The best way to protect yourself is to safeguard your Medicare information or other personal information from anyone who calls you.

Reference: Money Talks News (Aug. 23, 2022) “This Medicare Scam Offers Free COVID-19 Tests”