DNA Genetic Testing Scam
The primary DNA genetic testing scam involves fraudsters offering "free" screenings to Medicare beneficiaries to obtain their personal information for fraudulent billing and potential medical identity theft. These scams often result in Medicare being billed thousands of dollars for medically unnecessary tests, and beneficiaries may be held responsible for the cost if the claim is denied.
How the Scam Works
Scammers use various tactics to target individuals, primarily Medicare beneficiaries:
Unsolicited Contact: They make telemarketing calls, go door-to-door, or set up booths at public events (e.g., health fairs, senior centers, community events) to offer "free" genetic tests.
Deceptive Claims: Scammers often claim the test is "approved" or fully "covered" by Medicare to lower a person's guard.
Obtaining Information: They ask for your Medicare number and other personal information, often using a simple cheek swab to make the process seem legitimate.
Fake Doctor's Orders: The scammers often arrange for an unknown doctor, via "telemedicine" or other arrangements, to sign off on the test order without a proper medical assessment or existing doctor-patient relationship.
Fraudulent Billing: The lab then bills Medicare exorbitant fees (often $10,000-$30,000) for the test.
Data Breaches: In addition to the direct Medicare fraud, large, legitimate-seeming personal genomics companies have also suffered data breaches where millions of users' information, including ethnicity and profile data, were accessed and sold on the dark web.
Scammers use various tactics to target individuals, primarily Medicare beneficiaries:
Unsolicited Contact: They make telemarketing calls, go door-to-door, or set up booths at public events (e.g., health fairs, senior centers, community events) to offer "free" genetic tests.
Deceptive Claims: Scammers often claim the test is "approved" or fully "covered" by Medicare to lower a person's guard.
Obtaining Information: They ask for your Medicare number and other personal information, often using a simple cheek swab to make the process seem legitimate.
Fake Doctor's Orders: The scammers often arrange for an unknown doctor, via "telemedicine" or other arrangements, to sign off on the test order without a proper medical assessment or existing doctor-patient relationship.
Fraudulent Billing: The lab then bills Medicare exorbitant fees (often $10,000-$30,000) for the test.
Data Breaches: In addition to the direct Medicare fraud, large, legitimate-seeming personal genomics companies have also suffered data breaches where millions of users' information, including ethnicity and profile data, were accessed and sold on the dark web.
How to Protect Yourself
Consult Your Doctor: Only agree to a genetic test if it is ordered by your personal, treating physician who has assessed your condition and determined it is medically necessary.
Guard Personal Information: Never give out your Medicare, Social Security, or credit card information to individuals offering "free" screenings at events, over the phone, or door-to-door.
Refuse Unsolicited Kits: If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail that you did not order, refuse delivery or return it to the sender.
Review Medicare Statements: Always check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for unfamiliar charges. Look for codes like "gene analysis" or "molecular pathology".
Be Suspicious of "Free" Offers: Be cautious of anyone who emphasizes that a service is "free" and then asks for your Medicare number; Medicare only covers genetic testing in limited, medically necessary situations.
Consult Your Doctor: Only agree to a genetic test if it is ordered by your personal, treating physician who has assessed your condition and determined it is medically necessary.
Guard Personal Information: Never give out your Medicare, Social Security, or credit card information to individuals offering "free" screenings at events, over the phone, or door-to-door.
Refuse Unsolicited Kits: If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail that you did not order, refuse delivery or return it to the sender.
Review Medicare Statements: Always check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for unfamiliar charges. Look for codes like "gene analysis" or "molecular pathology".
Be Suspicious of "Free" Offers: Be cautious of anyone who emphasizes that a service is "free" and then asks for your Medicare number; Medicare only covers genetic testing in limited, medically necessary situations.
Reporting Fraud
If you suspect you have been a victim of a genetic testing scam, report it immediately:
Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at https://smpresource.org/you-can-help/report-fraud/.
Report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Hotline. Online: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or by phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you suspect you have been a victim of a genetic testing scam, report it immediately:
Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at https://smpresource.org/you-can-help/report-fraud/.
Report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Hotline. Online: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or by phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.