Scammers are putting a new twist on getting personal information from unsuspecting seniors. Some companies across the United States are offering people $20 in exchange for their health care information and a DNA swab.

This scam has developed in a little over a year after the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) announced last year that Medicare would cover genetic tests for cancer in certain medically necessary circumstances. Be mindful if someone comes to your home or building or has a table at a health fair and offers these "free" genetic or DNA tests. You can read the whole article from Bloomberg here.

If you think you have been targeted by this scam please contact the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800)699-1463.

Helpful Tips to Help Prevent

Genetic Testing Fraud

Genetic Testing is Never Free! The Illinois SMP has created a Tip Sheet to help prevent genetic testing and DNA Scams.

The most important thing to remember is to always work with your doctor. If you need genetic testing your doctor can order it for you and talk about the results with you.

The Genetic Testing Tip Sheets have been created in both English and Spanish. You can download and print off the double sided Tip Sheet Below.

Genetic Testing Tip Sheet (English)

Genetic Testing Tip Sheet (Spanish)

Have a wonderful week!

Travis Trumitch

travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org

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This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0036, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

The Illinois SMP at AgeOptions partners with agencies across the state to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

Please share this Fraud Alert with colleagues, consumers, or other professionals in your area and visit our website to sign up for our Fraud Alert email list.