Fraud surrounding
COVID-19 is increasing
April 1, 2020
The Missouri SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) is warning older adults about the potential for fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Missouri SMP is asking people to call its hotline at 1-888-515-6565 to report any suspected fraud.
This national fraud SMP fraud alert contains information that all seniors need to know:
• As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities of new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target older populations.
• There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19 and although there may be treatment for symptoms, there is no "cure." However, scammers often use fear-based tactics to convince people that a vaccine or cure is now being offered.
• It's also important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
The Senior Medicare Patrol recommends that Medicare beneficiaries:
• Contact your own doctor if you are experiencing potentional symptoms of COVID-19.
• Do not give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or personal information in response to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, home visits, or booths at health fairs and other public venues. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes as well.
• Be suspicious of anyone going door-to-door to offer free coronavirus or COVID-19 testing, supplies or treatment.
This national fraud SMP fraud alert contains information that all seniors need to know:
• As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities of new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target older populations.
• There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19 and although there may be treatment for symptoms, there is no "cure." However, scammers often use fear-based tactics to convince people that a vaccine or cure is now being offered.
• It's also important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
The Senior Medicare Patrol recommends that Medicare beneficiaries:
• Contact your own doctor if you are experiencing potentional symptoms of COVID-19.
• Do not give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or personal information in response to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, home visits, or booths at health fairs and other public venues. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes as well.
• Be suspicious of anyone going door-to-door to offer free coronavirus or COVID-19 testing, supplies or treatment.
