Fraud Alert - Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol
February 8th, 2021
NBC Nightly News features
Story of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
As each state rolls out their vaccine distribution, scammers are not far behind. The scammers will always follow the news. NBC Nightly News featured a story last month on how these scammers are pulling off this fraud.

You can watch the the story from NBC Nightly News here.

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) suggests that you reach out to your regional and local health departments about how to receive your vaccine. You can find all your regional and local health departments here.

You can find more information on the COVID-19 vaccines here one the IDOA COVID-19 website.

If you or someone you know has a been a victim of a potential COVID-19 scam, please call the Illinois SMP Hotline at (800)699-9043.
AARP Warns of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Fraudsters always follow the headlines. From scammers selling fake COVID-19 cures and treatments to people posing as government officials offering Coronavirus stimulus checks; they have now moved on to the COVID-19 vaccine, there is no level these scam artists will not stoop to commit these crimes. A recent AARP article focuses on many of these scams and features interviews with federal agents tracking the multiple fraud schemes.

The article also highlights a joint fraud alert released by the HHS Office of Inspector General, FBI and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in December on COVID-19 vaccine scams.

The alert said the public should be aware of these potential indicators of fraud.
  • Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee.
  • Requests to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list.
  • Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine.
  • Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee.

The alert also suggests the following:
  • Consult your state's health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels. Obtain a vaccine only through such channels
  • Check the FDA's website for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
  • Consult your primary care physician before having any vaccination.


You read the full article from AARP here.

If you or someone you know has a been a victim of a Covid-19 scam, please call the Illinois SMP Hotline at (800)699-9043.
Upcoming AgeOptions SMP Outreach Events
Village of Niles Senior Center
How to read your Medicare Summary Notice
February 8th at 10:30 am
If you are calling: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: #93566140401#

Village of Niles Senior Center
Types of Medicare Fraud
February 17th at 10:30 am
If you are calling: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 98926002321#

Village of Niles Senior Center
Tips to Prevent Medicare Fraud
February 22nd at 10:30 am
If you are calling: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 93566140401#

Mather Informational Call
Learn more about Senior Medicare Patrol and what you can do to protect, detect and report Medicare fraud.
February 8th at 9:30 am
Phone: (855) 880 1246   Meeting ID: 386 399 7030#

Brookfield Public Library
 How to read your Medicare Summary Notice
February 9th at 11:00 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 95531203966#

Types of Medicare Fraud
February 16th at 11:00 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 95531203966#

Tips to Prevent Medicare Fraud
February 23rd at 11:00 am
Phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 95531203966#

Spanish Workshops
Proviso Township Senior Services
Como leer su recibo de Medicare
9 de Febrero  a las 10:00 am
Telefono:  312-626-6799   Clave de la junta: 9403 285 9841#

Tipos de Fraude en Medicare
16 de Febrero a las 10:00 am
Telefono:  312-626-6799   Clave de la junta: 9403 285 9841#

Consejos para prevenir Fraude en Medicare
23 de Febrero a las 10:00 am
Telefono:  312-626-6799   Clave de la junta: 9403 285 9841#

Llamadas informativas con Mather – Patrulla Estatal de Medicare en Illinois 
Tipos de Estafas en Medicare
18 de Febrero a las 4:00 pm
Llame a este número:(855)-880-1246 Clave de la junta: 386 399 7030#
 
El Centro en Waukegan – Catholic Charities – Patrulla Estatal de Medicare en Illinois
Tipos de Estafas en Medicare
19 de Febrero a la 1:00 pm
Telefono:  312-626-6799   Clave de la junta: 94065179523#
Have a safe and healthy 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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