Seniors warned of ‘genetic testing’ scam

By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020

Staff Report

Local seniors are being warned about a “genetic testing” scam targeting Medicare beneficiaries that has turned up on the Central Coast.

“Seniors may be approached at a senior center or at senior living facilities,” said Chairman Barry Jay Marks of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. “The genetic testing scam is offered as a ‘free’ test, but isn’t free and may not be necessary. Genetic testing needs to be ordered by your primary physician and be ‘medically necessary.’”

 “Some scammers may call Medicare beneficiaries and encourage them to have genetic testing or cancer screenings,” he continued. “The offer will include a free test kit and ask that it be returned with their insurance information. This will then allow the scammers to bill Medicare for thousands of dollars of expensive and unnecessary testing.”

The California Senior Medicare Patrol provides these three tips: