Feds Sound Alarm on Coronavirus Scams Aimed at Medicare Enrollees

Federal officials sounded the alarm about fraud scams that prey on fears Medicare beneficiaries may have about the new coronavirus.

Scammers are offering Covid-19 tests to beneficiaries in exchange for their Medicare information, but the services are unapproved and illegitimate, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General said in a fraud alert.

Enrollees could become victims of identity theft and could also face bills from Medicare or Medicaid for unapproved tests, the alert said.

Patients should turn to a physician or trusted health-care provider to assess their condition and approve any requests for coronavirus testing, it said.