CMS SCAM ALERT - For those not on CMS or Society List Serves
I have received a few emails on this and just want to make sure all are aware. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has reported that it has become aware of a scam where perpetrators are sending faxes to physician offices posing as Medicare. The fax may have the CMS logo to enhance authenticity. CMS account information is requested "to prevent a gap in Medicare payments." Thereafter, the perpetrators are using identifiable information to apply to CMS for new practice locations and send in fraudulent patient bills for reimbursement.
The best way to avoid turning over sensitive information is to check with your CMS contractor before submitting any information by calling or visiting the CMS website found at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/ or
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll
Also..
The New York County Medical Society is circulating the following tips:
Common-sense tips:
- Remove any unnecessary personal identifying information from your outgoing correspondence.
- Do not post your resume on line, especially if it contains confidential personal identifying information.
- No one from Medicare should contact you to verify your Medicare numbers. They already have them.
- Don't leave laptops or other gateways into your personal information unattended.
- Cancel computer access immediately when anyone leaves your employment.
- When applying for employment, rigorously research the company before sharing personal information.
- Rigorously research any joint venture opportunities presented by companies unknown to you.
- Check with your carrier to see what practice locations they have listed for you.
- Contact the OIG Hotline if you suspect you are the victim of provider identity theft:
Phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) -
Fax: 1-800-223-8164
E-Mail: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov -
Mail: Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services
(Attn: HOTLINE), P.O. Box 23489, Washington, DC 20026
The above information is for education and discussion purposes only. Missed a prior article or looking for previously posted information, check out
