News Fraud Alert: Genetic (DNA) Testing Scam

 The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a fraud alert warning the public about a preventive genetic (DNA) testing scam.  Iowans have reported being contacted about this testing scam.

“Scammers are promoting a so-called free genetic (or DNA) test to Iowans on Medicare.  People are falsely told that Medicare will pay for a preventive genetic test to check for cancer,â€� said Kris Gross, director of the Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol.  “Iowans are being targeted in a wide variety of ways including at health fairs, door to door and through telemarketing calls.â€�

Scammers ask for a cheek swab to send to a lab for analysis. The individual is then asked for their Medicare number to cover the costs of the test.   Don’t become a victim to this scam.  Medicare does not cover genetic testing, except in very rare circumstances and such a test must be medically necessary and ordered by your own doctor.

“Walk away from this scam and hang up on any calls that attempt to secure your Medicare number,â€� encouraged Gross.

Iowans can report suspected Medicare fraud, including the genetic (DNA) test scam to the Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) by calling 800-351-4664 (TTY800-735-2942) or reporting at https://iid.iowa.gov/iowa-smp-fraud-reporting-form.

More information regarding current scams can be found at http://smp.iowa.gov.  The Senior Medicare Patrol is a service of the state of Iowa Insurance Division.