Southern Wisconsin Times

JANESVILLE, WI – On September 8, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) issued the following statement in response to the Federal Trade Commission recently alerting the public about a new Medicare scam targeting seniors.

“Scammers are always looking for new ways to obtain our information. Seniors are too often the target for these incessant scams. I’m working to stop these scams and ensure Wisconsin seniors and families are aware of these attacks. If you or someone you know has received this scam, be sure to report it to the Federal Trade Commission.”

Background:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted Americans of a new “Free COVID test” scam targeting individuals on Medicare. Scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer for “free COVID tests.” The scams are by phone, web, and tv advertising to try and convince Medicare recipients to share their information. In turn, the recipient is billed for fraudulent charges.

The FTC shared the following information with consumers. 

• Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue, asking for it.
• Fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need. Check your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you (and Medicare) are only being charged for services you really got.
• Find out more about Medicare fraud by visiting CMS.gov or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Also, read the FTC’s article on medical identity theft

• If you believe you were a victim of this scam, please file a report directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).

Spot this or a similar Medicare scam? Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

In August, Steil hosted a Free Scam Prevention Event in Milwaukee County to share resources to prevent scams and identity theft with residents of Wisconsin’s First District. Steil has previously hosted similar events in Rock and Kenosha Counties.  

Original source can be found here.