Scam library · Seniors · Phone calls · Government impostor
Medicare genetic testing and free brace scam
A caller or a booth at a community event offers a free cancer genetic test, a back brace or a knee brace, fully covered by Medicare. All you need to do is provide your Medicare number and swab your cheek.
The test or brace isn't free. Scammers bill Medicare for expensive services you didn't need, and your Medicare number can be used for more fraud.
What the message looks like
From: Caller from 'Senior Health Benefits'
Medicare now covers a free cancer screening genetic test for seniors. We'll mail you a kit.
I just need your Medicare number to confirm eligibility.
How this scam works
Medicare fraud schemes often involve genetic testing, durable medical equipment like braces, and telehealth services. Federal agencies have warned about scams that offer free items in exchange for Medicare numbers.
Some victims receive equipment they never asked for, or test results that never arrive. Others discover charges on their Medicare Summary Notice months later.
Medicare covers genetic testing only in specific situations ordered by your own doctor.
Scammers may claim to be from Medicare or a 'Medicare-approved' lab. Medicare doesn't call to sell you products.
Protecting your Medicare number is like protecting a credit card. Share it only with your doctors, pharmacists and trusted providers.
Review your Medicare Summary Notices or your account on Medicare.gov for services you didn't receive.
Some scammers advertise on social media or TV with offers of free tests, then follow up by phone. Others set up tables at senior centers, health fairs or housing complexes.
If a doctor you've never met signs off on a test or brace after a quick phone call, that's a warning sign.
Red flags
- Free tests or braces offered by callers or booths.
- Requests for your Medicare number.
- Claims that Medicare covers everything.
- Equipment arriving that you didn't order.
- Charges for services you didn't receive.
How to tell it’s fake
- Ask your own doctor whether a test or device is needed.
- Check your Medicare Summary Notice.
- Never share your Medicare number with strangers.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE with questions.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.
If you paid
- If you were charged, contact Medicare and your Senior Medicare Patrol.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared your Medicare number, report it to Medicare and watch your statements.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls. When Medicare scams come by email or ads, Scam Guard checks them and warns about fake Medicare sites. If an offer seems legit, ask a scam expert or your doctor.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does Medicare cover genetic tests?
- Only in specific cases ordered by your doctor.
- I received a brace I didn't order. What do I do?
- Report it to Medicare and don't pay.
- Who is the Senior Medicare Patrol?
- A program that helps people spot and report Medicare fraud.
- How do I check my Medicare charges?
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice or your account.
- Can I just return the brace?
- Report it to Medicare first, so they can investigate the charges.