The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General issued a fraud alert warning the public of a fraud scheme involving genetic testing.

“Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes. Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs, and door-to-door visits.”

This fraudulent scam is happening throughout North Dakota. The ND Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) continues to receive calls from Medicare beneficiaries who have divulged personal information along with their Medicare numbers.

Medicare will not call you to confirm your personal information, your Medicare number, or ask questions about your health. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with Medicare or is asking for your Medicare number – hang up.

Medicare does not pay for genetic testing unless it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor’s order. Therefore, you could be responsible for costs incurred for this testing.

Report suspected Medicare fraud, including the genetic test scam to the ND SMP at 800-233-1737, locally at 858-3580 or email at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu.