The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF), and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), have asked consumers to continue to be on the lookout for scams related to COVID-19.
In this newest installment of scammers being scammers, a report out of Maryland found an attempt to defraud the Maryland Insurance Commissioner with a text message offering COVID-19 insurance. The text offered to pay up to $30,000 if the purchaser of the bogus policy was to contract COVID-19. The cost of the policy was said to be $1,000.
This story is a cautionary tale of the ongoing efforts to defraud consumers amidst a pandemic.
HHS provides consumers with a list of COVID-19 scams to be on the lookout for.
As exemplified in this story, HHS offers targeted recommendations to avoid falling victim to these scams.
- Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their personal, medical, and financial information. Medicare will not call beneficiaries to offer COVID-19-related products, services, or benefit reviews.
- Do not respond to or open links in text messages about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.
If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately online or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
