A March 23 announcement from the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services (OIG) highlighted emerging fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Fraud Alert, the government identified a number of scams being perpetrated against the public and about which we should all remain vigilant.

These fraud schemes include the following:

• The sale of bogus coronavirus test kits to Medicare beneficiaries to obtain recipients’ personal information (including their Medicare beneficiary identification number). A form of identity theft, scammers want access to victims’ personal information in order to fraudulently bill Medicare and Medicaid.
• The sale of coronavirus supplies to obtain personal information that may be used to perpetrate additional fraud schemes. As with other potential scams, you should be wary of unsolicited requests for your personal information — including your health insurance beneficiary number and Social Security number. 
• The use of telemarketing calls, social media, and door-to-door visits to attempt to obtain money or personal information. The OIG also recommends that you be very skeptical of advertisements for coronavirus testing and treatment on Facebook and other social media sites. 

Additionally, the FBI has issued a separate public service announcement concerning coronavirus fraud.

Citing the same concerns for identity theft and larceny, the FBI has also advised that the public remain vigilant for the following:

• Fake emails purporting to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other similar organizations, claiming to provide important information about coronavirus and urging consumers to click a Subscribe box or a link to receive updated coronavirus information.
• Phishing emails that ask recipients to verify personal information (and ultimately steal that information). 
• The sale of counterfeit medical treatments or equipment.