Got COVID-19 tests you didn’t order? Don’t pay
Consumer Alert
Got COVID-19 tests you didn’t order? Don’t pay
By
Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
August 9, 2023
Unordered COVID-19 tests — and bills — are arriving on doorsteps around the country. What’s going on? It’s another scam targeting people with Medicare. Here’s what to do if you get billed for tests you didn’t order.
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In June, the FTC warned about scammers stealing people’s Medicare numbers and billing Medicare for COVID-19-related services (and other things) that they sometimes got — and sometimes didn’t. The difference now? You might be getting the bill instead of Medicare. That’s because after May 11th, when the COVID-19 Health Emergency officially ended, Medicare and other health insurance plans stopped paying for many at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Once Medicare denies payment, those scammy companies could come back with a bill in your name.
Here’s what to do if you get one of these bills for unordered COVID-19 tests:
- Don’t pay it. By law, companies can’t send you things you didn’t order and then demand payment. If you get a bill like this, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and Explanations of Benefits (EOB) to see if your account was billed. Statements are available by mail or online at Medicare.gov. Look for services, products, or equipment Medicare paid for that you didn’t get. Do the statements show any double charges, or things you or your doctor didn’t ask for?
- If you suspect Medicare fraud, call your health care provider or Medicare plan and ask for an explanation. If you aren’t satisfied with their response, call your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help filing a report or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Report Medicare fraud to the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). It helps them track down the scammers and try to stop them.
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Consumer Alert
You got the apartment! Spot rental listing scams before you pay
By
Royal Rose
Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
August 10, 2023
You’ve found it: A listing for the perfect off-campus apartment. The rental agent told you to send a security deposit by wiring money. Sound fishy? That’s because it is. But can you spot other rental listing scams — before you pay?
Scammers know that students may be looking for housing off-campus. Some scammers hijack real rental listings — changing the contact information and reposting them on different rental sites. Then they charge you for fees, deposits, or even rent for homes that aren’t actually up for rent.
To avoid rental listing scams:
- Do some research. Search online for the management company name plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” If you find bad reviews, you may want to look elsewhere.
- Verify who and what. Call the number on the management company’s website — not the one in the listing — to make sure the listing agent works there. Check to see if the home’s address is on the company’s website. If it isn’t, it may be a scam.
- Visit the rental in-person. Check out the apartment yourself (or send a trusted friend) to make sure it is what’s been advertised. If you can’t go in-person, ask your school about other options. If the landlord insists you pay a fee or deposit before they show you the place, keep looking. That’s most likely a scammer.
- Pay by credit card — it’s the safest way. Scammers insist that you to pay in ways that make it hard to get your money back — like wire transfers, cash, cryptocurrency, or through payment apps like CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle. Even if they say the money is refundable, you’re not likely to ever get it back.
Did you spot a scammer’s listing on a rental website? Report them to the website or group administrator. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Consumer Alert
How to make sure your donations count when weather disasters strike
By
Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
August 11, 2023
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Throw a dart at a map of the U.S. and chances are you’ll land on a community that suffered severe weather this year. Whether it’s landslides on the West Coast, extreme ice storms in the South, spring tornadoes across the Midwest, recent flooding in the Northeast, or the wildfires consuming the Hawaiian island of Maui, communities have experienced devastating losses ― and many are still recovering. With any weather disaster, you may consider a charitable donation to help those affected. But how you can avoid charity scams?
First, know that when there’s a natural disaster, scammers are quick to follow. Some research and planning before you donate will help make sure your money helps people in need, not charity scammers.
- Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record with dealing with disasters.
- Research the organization yourself —especially if the donation request comes on social media. Search the name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” And check out the charity on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Candid. If the message was from a friend, ask them if they know the organization themselves. Find out exactly how much of every dollar you donate goes directly to the charity’s beneficiaries.
- Be cautious about giving to individuals on crowdfunding sites. If you’re considering it, giving to someone you personally know and trust is safest. Also, review the platform’s policies and procedures. Some crowdfunding sites take measures to check out postings asking for help after a disaster. Others don’t.
- Don’t donate to anyone who insists you can only pay by cash, gift card, wiring money, or cryptocurrency. That’s how scammers tell you to pay. If you decide to donate, pay by credit card, which gives you more protections.
- Confirm the number before you text to donate. Go straight to the charity. Is it their number?
To learn more, go to ftc.gov/charity. For advice to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from severe weather and the scams that follow, visit ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies.
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Consumer Alert
Picking up the pieces after the Maui wildfires
By
Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
August 11, 2023
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Wind-driven wildfires are causing devastation to the Hawaiian island of Maui. Nobody knows how long it will take to recover from the destruction, but we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in. As the smoke begins to clear, here’s some advice to help you spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams.
- Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up and repairs. Some may quote outrageous prices, demand payment up front, or lack the skills needed.
- Check contractors out. Before you pay, ask for their IDs, licenses, and proof of insurance. Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing.
- Never pay by wire transfer,gift card,cryptocurrency, or in cash. Scammers ask for these types of payments because, once they’ve collected the money, it’s almost impossible for you to get it back.And never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied.
- Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. Download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.
- Spot imposter scams. Scammers might pretend to be safety inspectors, government officials trying to help you, or utility workers who say immediate work is required. Don’t give them money, and ask for identification to verify who you are dealing with — before sharing personal information like your Social Security or account numbers.
- Spot rental listing scams. If anyone asks for a security deposit or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease, steer clear.
- Spread the word. Share the FTC’s Picking Up the Pieces after a Disaster infographic and social media image in your community. And visit Dealing with Weather Emergencies.
If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you’re looking for a way to help those in need, read How to make sure your donations count when weather disasters strike.
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