As we discussed in our last Fraud Alert, the Illinois SMP has been receiving calls about unnecessary genetic testing. This new scam has been causing concern for the nationwide SMP network. We are all working hard to promote awareness of this genetic testing scam by communicating to beneficiaries how it work and what to look out for when offered these "free" tests.

The Sentinel, our National SMP Resource Center publication, showcased this scam nearly two years ago when it was first starting to get popular on the east coast. You can read what happened to one beneficiary who fell for a unnecessary genetic testing scam in an article that was published in The Sentinel here.

We always recommend that you work with your doctor. If you need genetic testing, your doctor can order it for you and talk about the results with you.

If you've received genetic testing paid for by Medicare at a fair or presentation or notice something suspicious on your MSN, please contact the Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol at AgeOptions at (800)699-6043.

Tax Season is Scam Season

We are currently in tax season and that means it is open season for scammers across the state of Illinois. During this time of year, it is very important to protect your personal information such as your Social Security number, Medicare number, address, and any other personal information. Scammers are always coming up with new creative ways to take advantage of older adults.

There are two scams that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has suggested to look out for this year. These two scams involve scammers posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees who either demand you pay back your return or threaten legal action against you.

You can read about these scams in detail and gather tips during tax season from the FTC here.

Please call the FTC if you think you have been the target of identity theft or a tax scam at (877)438-4338.

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.

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