According to the OIG, the alleged scammers offer free cheek swabs for genetic testing to Medicare beneficiaries via telemarketing calls, door-to-door visits and booths at health fairs and other public events. They then use their targets’ personal information to commit identity theft or to fraudulently bill Medicare for the tests. Those who believe they have been targeted by this scam are urged to submit a complaint to the HHS OIG hotline.
The OIG recommends that the public use only genetic testing kits ordered by a physician and remain wary of any unsolicited requests for Medicare information and offers of free genetic tests.
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