“Free health screening!” This offer often pops up at local health fairs, senior housing, and community centers. Screenings are mostly an affordable way to stay on top of your health, and most providers are legitimate, but BBB has been hearing about health insurance scammers who use them as bait to steal sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.
How the Scam Works
You show up for your free health screening, and the representative asks you to fill out a sign-in sheet. This sheet asks for standard information, such as your name. But it also requests sensitive information, such as your Medicare or Social Security number. In some versions, “health company reps” claim that your health plan will cover the cost and send you the results. All you need to do is provide your ID and plan information.
Don’t fall for it! Scammers may go through the motions of the free health screening – such as taking your blood pressure or cholesterol levels -- only to use your personal information later. Health insurance scammers can use this information to bill your insurance for thousands of dollars’ worth of tests, gain access to your personal genetic information, or simply to steal your identity.
Protect Yourself from Free Health Screening Scams
- Guard your personal information carefully. Never give your medical insurance ID number, Social Security number, or banking information to strangers.
- It is illegal to accept anything of value in exchange for medical services. Never trade personal information for “free” tests.
- Don’t consent to lab tests without direct orders from your doctor. Protect yourself and your health insurance benefits.
- Keep a close eye on correspondence from your medical insurance provider. Inform your provider right away if you notice any unauthorized changes or charges.
For More Information
Read more about healthcare scams at BBB.org/healthcarescam. In the United States, learn more about how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud at Medicare.gov.
If you’ve fallen victim to this type of health insurance scam, you can help others avoid being scammed by filing a report with BBB.org/ScamTracker. Learn more about other scams and how to avoid them at BBB.org/scamtips.
Learn about new scams by subscribing to BBB's weekly Scam Alert emails.
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