More than two years into the Coronavirus pandemic, the disease while somewhat abated still remains a threat and many of us are continuing to take tests to determine whether or not we are infected.  Fortunately, there are a number of options for getting free test kits.  Unfortunately, scammers are contacting people offering “free” test kits, but instead steal personal information, often your Medicare number that can either lead to identity theft or detrimentally affect your Medicare coverage.

The scammers set up phony websites, online ads, television ads as well as call people posing as Medicare employees offering their “free” COVID test kits.

TIPS

The truth is that Medicare does provide 8 free test kits per month, but no one will contact you from Medicare offering these test kits.  You can use this link to get your free kits.  https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests

Even if you are not a Medicare recipient, the federal government is offering free test kits to every household.  Here is a link to information about how to order these free kits.  https://special.usps.com/testkits

If you are a Medicare recipient, it is important to check your Medicare Summary Notice which provides you with details of all Medicare charges made to your account.  If you note unordered services or equipment, you should report it right away.

For those of you receiving the Scam of the day through an email, I just want to remind you that if you want to see the ever increasing list of Coronavirus scams go to the first page of the http://www.scamicide.com website and click on the tab at the top of the page that indicates “Coronavirus Scams.”  Scamicide was cited by the New York Times as one of three top sources for information about Coronavirus related scams.

If you are not a subscriber to Scamicide.com and would like to receive free daily emails with the Scam of the day, all you need to do is to go to the bottom of the initial page of http://www.scamicide.com and insert your email address where it indicates  “Sign up for this blog.”