Warning: DNA Testing Scam For Cancer

By Aujunai Charpentiair

Attorney General Frosh Warns Marylander's About DNA Testing Scam Targeting Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries

BALTIMORE, MD (May 8, 2019) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh is warning
consumers to be suspicious of representatives of companies that purport to offer "free" DNA
testing to check for cancer. The DNA testing scam is a new twist used by scammers to trick
people into giving away their health insurance information for the purpose of committing
identity theft and fraud.

Is there no low too low for these heartless and cruel scammers? It seems they will go anywhere, and do anything to get their hands on information from unsuspecting seniors! These despicable individuals are callous, soulless, and morally bankrupt! There is nothing that is off limits to them. They will do any and everything that they possibly can to obtain money!

Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries with phone calls and by visiting health fairs,
assisted living homes, and senior events. Claiming the DNA testing is covered by Medicare,
they will use a cotton swab stick to a take a saliva sample from the inside of your mouth. They
request your Medicare information and may also ask for your social security number. Do not be
fooled; this is a scam. Medicare only pays for certain genetic testing and cancer screenings that
are medically necessary and ordered by a doctor.

In other states, scammers have also targeted Medicaid beneficiaries by claiming to be affiliated
with a local Medicaid insurer. In Louisville, Kentucky, scammers paid $20 to Medicaid
recipients as an incentive for them to take a DNA test, and subsequently requested their
Medicaid insurance information. It is illegal to pay anyone who is a recipient of government
health insurance to induce them to receive a medical service.

Although the Maryland Office of Attorney General has received a small number of complaints,
other states across the country have received numerous complaints about the DNA testing scam,
which may be the work of an organized group or individuals acting alone.
The scam raises concerns about potential health care fraud and identity theft since scammers
have the names of consumers and their health insurance information. This information could be
sold to unscrupulous health care providers who may bill Medicare and Medicaid for medical
services that were not provided to the consumer. It could also be used by an imposter to obtain
free medical care using your identity and health insurance information.
It is unclear if the genetic samples or test results are being misused or sold for other illicit
purposes. Authorities in other states have found evidence of cheek swabs being discarded rather
than sent away for actual genetic testing at health fairs.

“These scammers prey on vulnerable individuals, exploiting them for profit and potentially to
steal their identities,” said Attorney General Frosh. “I encourage anyone who has been a victim
of this ‘DNA’ scam or seen it carried out within their community to immediately report it to our
Health Education and Advocacy Unit by calling 410-528-1840 or toll-free at 1-877-261-8807.”

Here are some additional tips on how to protect yourself against the DNA testing scam:
 Be suspicious of anyone offering free DNA tests and cancer screenings. Only a doctor
can determine if such testing is medically necessary for you. Be suspicious of anyone
offering to pay you to take a DNA test; it is against the law for Medicare or Medicaid
beneficiaries to receive payment in exchange for undergoing medical tests.
 Never share your Medicare or Medicaid insurance number (or Social Security Number)
with anyone who offers free medical products or medical services.
 Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized activity and your Medicare statements for
suspicious charges, especially if you have shared your personal medical information with
anyone offering a free DNA test.
 Call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or 1-800-HHS-TIPS if you think you have been
the victim of Medicare fraud. Contact the Maryland Department of Health’s Program
Integrity Division at 1-866-770-7175 if you believe you have been the victim of
Medicaid fraud.

Article Reprint from Press Release of the Office of Brian E. Frosh, Attorney General for the state of Maryland.

By Aujunai Charpentiair