Scam Alert: Tewksbury Police Warn Of Medicare Fraud

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury police warned of a Medicare-related scam Thursday.

Scammers have been contacting town residents and offering "free" genetic testing that they say is covered by Medicare, the police said. The scammers may call residents on the phone, or send them unsolicited testing kits in the mail.

"This scam is typically to commit Medicare fraud by using the victim's information to fraudulently bill for unnecessary tests and/or otherwise illegally use your personal information," the department said. "Protect your identity, NEVER give personal information to anyone asking for it unexpectedly."

The department shared the following tips from the Better Business Bureau on protecting against Medicare fraud:

• "Be wary of any lab tests at senior centers, health fairs, or in your home. Be suspicious of anyone claiming that genetic tests and cancer screenings are “free” or “covered by Medicare.” If a product or test is truly “free,” you will not have to provide your Medicare number.
• Don’t share your Medicare number. If anyone other than your physician's office requests your Medicare information, do not provide it. Also, protect your Medicare card by keeping it in a safe place (not your wallet).
• Do not trust a name or phone number. Con artists often use official-sounding names or appear to be calling from a government agency or related area code. Medicare will never call you to confirm your personal information, your Medicare number, or ask questions about your personal health."

If you believe you are the victim of Medicare fraud, go to Medicare.gov to report it, the department said.

Report Medicare fraud. If you think you are a victim of Medicare fraud, be sure to report it. Go to Medicare.gov to get started.

More information from the Better Business Bureau is available here.