Scams related to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, are rapidly increasing as the public health emergency develops. Scammers are targeting older adults and those with serious long-term health conditions who appear to have a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Fraudsters are attempting to bill Medicare for sham tests or treatments related to the coronavirus and are targeting individuals to illegally obtain money or Medicare numbers.

What Can You Do to Stop COVID-19 Fraud?

–Do not give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative.

–Protect your Medicare number and treat your Medicare card like a credit card.

–Never provide your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

–Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering free coronavirus testing, treatment, or supplies.

–Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know, which could put your computer or device at risk. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer are up to date.

–Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.

–Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention products or cures for COVID-19, they are most likely a scam.

–Do your homework before making a donation to a charity or crowd funding site due to a public health emergency. Be particularly wary of any charities requesting donations by cash, by gift card, or wire transfer.

–Be alert to “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19 and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.

  Contact tracing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helps protect you, your family, and your community by:

–Letting people know they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,

–Helping people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 get tested, and

–Asking people to self-isolate or self-quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection to others.

Contact tracers will:

–Be state or local Department of Health employees or their contractors

–Ask about your personal symptoms to gauge for possible COVID-19 infection

–Ask about others you may have come into contact with recently

–Be able to refer you to other medical and social resources

–Ask whether you have insurance so they can connect those who are not insured with resources.

Contact tracers will not:

–Ask for specifics about your health insurance, like your Medicare number

–Claim they need a credit card or cash to pay for a COVID-19 test

–Want your personal information to help you set up a COVID-19 test.

How Your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Can Help

Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs and their trained volunteers help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also can provide information and educational presentations.

  Texas Senior Medicare Patrol Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP):

  Visit www.smpresource.org or call 888-341-6187.