topic Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam in Community Chat

Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

NickNack — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 15:47:03 GMT

I got this e-mail from Medicare today.

_______________________

Have you heard about the latest scam? Scammers are offering “free” genetic tests and claiming Medicare will cover it — so they can get your Medicare Number and use it to commit fraud and identity theft. They’re targeting people through telemarketing calls, health fairs, and even knocking on doors.

Only a doctor you know and trust should order and approve any requests for genetic testing. If Medicare is billed for a test or screening that wasn’t medically necessary and/or wasn’t ordered by your doctor, the claim could be denied. That means you could be responsible for the entire cost of the test, which could be thousands of dollars.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

Pqfan — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:04:32 GMT

Thanks for the heads up.👍

‘I know some people that might fall for this.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

qualitygal — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:17:09 GMT

I got that too.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

godi — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:19:25 GMT

You have to be so careful today.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

Carmie — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:20:38 GMT

I got this e-mail too.

Still difficult to believe anyone would give out Medicare info on the phone these days, but I could understand how this could happen if they just send you a test kits in the mail.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

millieshops — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 17:27:45 GMT

Sadly, so many of the emails and calls purportedly from Medicare aren't really from Medicare. They come from vendors of genetic testing, from sellers of hearing aids, from surigical suppliers, etc. - It could be from anyone trying to get us to buy something that's "free" or practically free - NOT - someone is paying. You as the one scammed or you as a taxpayer!

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

shaggygirl — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 19:36:08 GMT

I just got this call today while I was out, listened to the voicemail. It came from this number:

479-221-9041

The caller ID was the same as the phone number itself minus the - in between. Just the phone numbers all run together.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

2blonde — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 18:42:11 GMT

Once I passed 60, I noticed the scammer phone calls increased dramatically. Now that I'm 70, I get tons of them (my nomorobo catches most of them, but I see them on my land line caller ID).

I think it should be a crime for any solicitor to even call anyone over 65, because you know they are picking on them because they are often more vulnerable. It's akin to old ladies being robbed in the grocery store parking lot. Thank God I at least still have my wits about me and don't even answer the phone.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

chrystaltree — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 19:38:38 GMT

@millieshops

None of those calls, emails and Facebook solicitations about genetic testing come for Medicare. Not a single one.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

Icegoddess — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 19:44:17 GMT

My husband got one of those calls. Even if it was true, I wouldn't want Medicare knowing my genetic background or susceptibility to disease.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

software — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 19:47:43 GMT

I would never agree to any kind of genetic testing unless my doctor told me, face to face, I needed it for a very serious condition.

I'm 66 and I have to study some of the snail mail & emails I get. The scammers are clever. I know many doctors offices like to do business now by the internet & text. I'm considered a dinosaur because I like the phone or in person to carry on business.

I have an older relative that I scold regularly for giving out seemingly innocuous information over the phone to strangers who call. Scammers can take even innocent information & cause you grief in the long run.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

PINKdogWOOD — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 12:10:15 GMT

@NickNack I got this email too yesterday. I get these scam calls too. This isn't the first time for this one.

I've also been getting scam calls from so-called Social Sec Admin. This is the 2nd time around for this one too. This one in fact gets 'threatening' too ie, you're heading to jail for cashing in on someone else's benefits.

And then there are always the ones from microsoft, something's wrong with your computer, you must long on right now so we can help you get rid of gremlins.

Two days ago my phone rang at least 20 times with scammers, Ikid you not. I just let it ring.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

millieshops — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:22:47 GMT

@chrystaltreeI was just reacting to the Medicare mention in the OP{ - and then recalling a long conversation I had had with a friend who was called repeatedly about hearing aids.

She insisted those calls were from Medicare and that that made it safe for her to answer. I'm just hoping that because she lives with one of her sons, she will run any purchase past them!

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

Still Raining — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:49:14 GMT

I got the email and deleted.

Later I got to wondering if we are also seeing emails warning of a scam actually being a scam.

It is complicated.

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

CelticCrafter — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:53:40 GMT

Given the fact that I pretty much know what is going to kill me based on family history I'll pass on it.!

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

esmerelda — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:33:15 GMT

@NickNack I’m trying to follow the line. So a scammer calls and offers you a test, and they need your Medicare number. And what happens then? Do they schedule the test that you end up having to pay for because it’s a scam? Or do you order the test? Can you even do that without an order from the doctor?

Now that the Medicare number is no longer the Social Security number, what kind of damage can be done?

But what I’m really interested in is what I said first. How do you get a “free” test that you may have to pay for by giving your Medicare number to a scammer?

Re: Avoid This Genetic Testing Scam

silkyk — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:47:26 GMT

@2blonde wrote:
Once I passed 60, I noticed the scammer phone calls increased dramatically. Now that I'm 70, I get tons of them (my nomorobo catches most of them, but I see them on my land line caller ID).

I think it should be a crime for any solicitor to even call anyone over 65, because you know they are picking on them because they are often more vulnerable. It's akin to old ladies being robbed in the grocery store parking lot. Thank God I at least still have my wits about me and don't even answer the phone.

I cut-em-off at the pass and never answer. Rude of them to think old=stupid. Guess they never were taught this.