Reports of scams that are related to the COVID-19 pandemic are increasing. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General has sent out a warning that scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries.
The Inspector General says that scammers are offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. The scammers make the offers through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits.
In addition to tests, the inspector general’s office has seen scammers offer “Senior Care Packages” that include hand sanitizer or promote a vaccine, which does not exist.
The idea of the scams is to collect your personal information to use in billing federal and state health programs for fake medical services.
In addition, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud notes that it has seen scammers trying to sell fake insurance plans.
One plan claims to be “corona” insurance, while others may say that they have corona coverage provisions.
The coalition also warns people to be careful of calls warning you that your health insurance has been “cancelled.”
Needless to say, hanging up on robocalls and ignoring emails or online ads claiming to offer a vaccine or a cure of COVID-19 is the best action to take.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General:
https://oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/index.asp?utm_source=web&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=covid19-landing-page
Associated Press:
https://apnews.com/6327dd1418365f934200b65f35cd148f
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud:
https://www.insurancefraud.org/blog/mar-2020/lets-vaccinate-against-corona-insur
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