Healthcare or medical scams are a widespread phenomenon targeting millions of people every year. Whether it’s targeting vulnerable individuals seeking medical advice or patients in search of alternative medicine or better health plans, these scams pose a significant threat to your wallet and health.
In this article, we explore the most common healthcare scams or medical scams, provide tips on recognizing them, and help you adopt the best practices to stay safe.
Did you know?
- Heath insurance fraud (including Medicaid and Medicare fraud) costs consumers in the US about $105 billion per year
What are healthcare scams (medical scams)?
In health scams, fraudsters target victims with fake health or medical-related products and services and trick them into purchasing medication, supplies, treatments, or insurance. Scammers in the “healthcare business” are not just after your hard-earned money – they want to steal your personal and health information for use in other medical identity theft and other crimes.
Common Healthcare Scams
1. Fake Health Insurance Plans. You may see an ad online or a scammer may contact you directly over the phone or email to offer you a fake insurance plan to obtain your data and money. After getting your personal and insurance information, the scammer can impersonate you to get health services and benefits. This leaves you with piled-up bills and a compromised medical history.
Red Flags:
- You’re contacted out of the blue by somebody posing as a representative of a government agency.
- You’re asked for information such as your SSN and bank account, or to wire money or purchase gift cards for benefits.
2. Fake Online Pharmacies and Supplements. In these scams, fraudsters set up phony online pharmacies or websites that sell fake medication that promise to cure chronic conditions.
Red Flags:
- Prices are much lower than usual
- No prescription is required
- Advertised as cure-alls from Alzheimer’s to cancer
- Products are often linked to hundreds of testimonials and positive reviews from people claiming to have been cured
- Lack of contact information or physical address on the website.
3. Telehealth scams. In telehealth scams, fraudsters pose as legitimate healthcare providers offering virtual consultations. They may contact you via unsolicited phone calls or emails to capture your personal information and money.
Red Flags:
- You get unrequested calls or emails offering free services
- You must provide personal or financial information up front.
- The healthcare provider lacks credentials
4. Medical Equipment Scams. Scammers sell or offer you medical devices and supplies that are overpriced, unnecessary, or non-existent. They mainly target seniors and people with chronic illnesses. In some cases, fraudsters say they offer free equipment, but the individual later discovers hidden fees and billings without receiving any services or products.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited phone calls offering either free or medical equipment at great discounts.
- Vague or lack of terms and conditions
- The caller uses high-pressure sales tactics to presuade you to accept the offer
5. Health Insurance Marketplace Scams. These scams involve fraudsters posing as certified insurance application counselors or navigators providing you assistance while applying for coverage with the Health Insurance Marketplace, for a fee of course. This type of activity is illegal.
Red flags:
- High-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited emails and phone calls from individuals claiming to work for the government who are qualified Marketplace navigators
- Requests for your Social Security Number, credit card or any form of payment (gift card, cash, prepaid cards, crypto)
- The caller threatens you with legal action if you don’t comply
How to Protect Against Healthcare Scams
- Verify sources: Always check the legitimacy of healthcare providers and websites. Look for reviews, verify licenses, and consult trusted sources.
- Guard your information: Never share personal, insurance or financial information with strangers who contact you out of the blue or via any other form of correspondence that you did not request.
- Be skeptical of anything unsolicited: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages offering medical services or products, especially if they sound too good to be true.
- Remember, it’s OK to say no! Don’t commit to anything if you feel pressured. Take your time to research the offer, product or service before taking out your credit card or providing sensitive information.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. If you are unsure about treatment options or supplements, contact your doctor or trained healthcare professional for advice.
- Monitor your accounts: Be proactive and security-focused by regularly checking your medical bills, insurance claims, and bank statements for suspicious activity.
- Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about common scams and educate your family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
- Report: Always report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, Insurance Provider and any other local consumer protection agency.
Protecting yourself from healthcare scams requires vigilance and the right tools. Bitdefender Scamio is designed to help you stay safe online by identifying and blocking potential scams for free!
If you're suspicious about a certain phone call, email or SMS, Bitdefender Scamio is a quick and efficient way to find out if you’re being scammed. Simply describe the situation to our clever chatbot and let it guide you to safety.
You can share with Scamio the exact thing you want to check: a screenshot, PDF, QR code, or link. Scamio lets you know in seconds if it’s a scam. Use it anywhere via web browser, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Scamio is localized for use in the USA, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Australia, and the UK.
FAQs
What are the signs of a fake health insurance plan?
Some of the most common red flags include unsolicited offers, low premiums with high benefits, and pressure tactics to persuade you to sign up quickly without providing detailed information.
What should I do if the caller threatens a family member or says they’ll cancel my health coverage?
Threats are a common tactic to scare you into making payments or doing something rash. This is illegal. No government official or legitimate organization will ever make these claims. Immediately hang up the phone and report the call to law enforcement and consumer protection offices such as the FTC and BBB.
What if I’m not sure if the call I received is from an official Health Insurance Marketplace agent?
If you happen to get a call from an agent but are unsure if you should proceed, you can hang up and contact a representative using the contact information in this link.
Additionally, you can use Bitdefender Scamio for advice whenever you are unsure about a request, message or email.
