These tips below provides a quick summary of what to watch for and how to protect yourself from COVID-19 scams and healthcare fraud. You can also download it as a one-page tip sheet.
Also watch the recording of our recent webinar: COVID Scams & Healthcare Fraud – Updated with New Information!
Self Defense Tips for COVID-19 Scams & Healthcare Fraud
- 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 door to door solicitors, robocalls selling virus test kits, supplies, vaccines or treatments
- Do not give out your Medicare number, social security number or other personal information in response to unsolicited emails, calls, texts, home visits or booths at health fairs
- Know that Medicare will never call you for your Medicare # or Social Security #
- Watch out for fraudulent cures, therapies – Check with www.ftc.gov
- Ignore offers for vaccines and scam contact tracing calls
- Watch out for phishing emails, texts claiming to be from experts
- Hang up on robocallers
- Carefully research charities, investment opportunities www.charitynavigator.org
- Be cautious when ordering medical supplies
- Do not give your Medicare # to strangers
- Ask your own doctor to assess your condition and prescribe equipment
- Refuse equipment, supplies received from unknown source
- Beware telemarketers selling health plans
- Insurance companies with no former relationship can’t initiate a call
- Contact your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) if you’re in another state, for unbiased, free information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medi-Cal and more
- Verify telehealth appointments with your own doctor
- Review medical statements for errors, fraudulent billing
- Check for date of service; provider name; service description
- Keep current with Medicare, COVID 19 scams and healthcare fraud (www.cahealthadvocates.org)
- Report fraud to our California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – 855-613-7080. If you’re in another state, contact your state’s SMP here: smpresource.org
