FTC: Scammers Now Posing As Medicare Representatives

Scammers really are getting more and more creative.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning to the public, warning them about a new Medicare scam.

According to their post, they have been getting reports of callers posing as Medicare agents. From there, scammers ask the person on the other end of the line for their Medicare numbers and social security information, among other things. They promise a DNA testing kit in exchange.

You may be wondering why someone would want a DNA testing kit. Here's why: the scammers frame it as a way to get tested early for diseases AND for free.

Medicare representatives do NOT sell DNA testing kits to the public and like other government agencies, most likely won't call you. If they did, it would be after they contact you by mail.

The FTC says to be wary of anything that could even be remotely a scam. Do not trust the caller ID, as technology is now so advanced it could be rigged.

Most importantly though, never give away any personal information over the phone without doing your research first.

Just about a week ago, Minnesota Power reported that there was an in-person scam circulating around the Duluth area. This is just another example of how far scammers are willing to go.