COVID-19 FRAUD ALERT

On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General (US DHHS OIG) updated its COVID-19 Fraud Alert last issued March 19, 2020.The US DHHS OIG has identified a new scam targeting Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are being targeted in a variety of ways, including door-to-door visits, social media, and telemarketing calls, among others.

According to the alert, COVID-19 tests are fraudulently being offered to beneficiaries in exchange for personal information that could be used to commit medical identity theft and for illegally billing the Federal healthcare programs.The OIG has stated that these COVID-19 tests are “unapproved and illegitimate,” informing beneficiaries that they may be responsible for the cost if these claims are denied.Providers and beneficiaries are encouraged to report COVID-19 Fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline (866) 720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov. Review the OIG COVID-19 Fraud Alert for more information.