Consumer Alert
Health insurance covers at-home COVID-19 tests
By
Colleen Tressler
Senior Project Manager, FTC
October 7, 2022
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While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government, if you have health insurance, you’re covered for eight free over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests each month. So if you have health insurance through your employer, or if you have a plan through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace, each person on your plan can get eight tests per month. If you’re on Medicare, you’re also covered for 8 free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each month.
There are two ways to get your tests for free: (1) use a pharmacy or store that your health plan designates “in network” where you’ll be charged $0 or (2) get reimbursed by submitting a claim to your insurance plan. Check with your health insurance provider to find an in-network pharmacy or to know what receipts or other documentation you’ll need.
For more information, including other free COVID-19 testing options, visit COVID.gov/tests.
Since we know scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with fake offers for free tests, it’s a short leap to say they might also approach people with private health insurance, trying steal your personal information to commit fraud and bill bogus charges to your insurance.
To keep your information safe:
- If you buy test kits online, know who you’re dealing with. Search online for the product or company name, plus “complaint” or “scam” to see what other people are saying.
- Never give your health insurance or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue.
- Check your Explanation of Benefits statements to be sure the claim includes only services you really got.
- Read about medical identity theft to learn how to protect yourself, and how to know if someone is misusing your medical information.
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Consumer Alert
How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams
By
Colleen Tressler
Senior Project Manager, FTC
October 6, 2022
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When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and avoid fraud.
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Utility imposters work year-round. Here’s how to recognize and report utility scams.
- Scammers say you’re behind on your bill and, unless you pay right away by gift card or wiring money through companies like Western Union or MoneyGram, they’ll shut off your utility service. Stop. That’s a scam!
- Scammers come to your door saying they need to repair or replace equipment, and that you have to pay on the spot. Stop. That’s a scam!
- Scammers say you overpaid your bill, and they need to confirm personal information to process your refund. Stop. That’s a scam!
If you get a call like this, report it your utility company. Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Here are some easy (and more involved) ways to cut your energy costs. The less you’re worried about energy costs, the easier it will be to ignore a call from someone (a scammer) who offers ways to save money this winter…if only you pay them.
- Do a home energy audit. It’ll tell you how efficient your heating system is and where your home is wasting energy. Many utility companies offer free or low-cost energy assessments. Visit energysavers.gov for more resources.
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weatherstripping for gaps or cracks.
- Bring your insulation up to levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Lower your thermostat before you go to bed or head out for the day, or get a programmable thermostat to do it automatically.
- See if help is available. Check to see if you’re eligible for the Low Income Home Assistance Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Learn more at ftc.gov/SavingEnergy. Then share this advice on social media using #WinterPrep2022.
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Consumer Alert
This Hispanic Heritage Month, spot how scammers tell you to pay
By
Andrew Rayo
Consumer Education Specialist
October 6, 2022
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re raising awareness about scams targeting Latino communities. Today, we’re focusing on the different ways scammers ask (or tell) you to pay. No matter what they say, don’t pay scammers ni un centavo (not a cent).
Scammers make up lots of stories about why you need to pay — and pay quickly. They’ll pretend they’re calling from the government — like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Customs and Border Patrol. Or they’ll say they’re with a business, utility, charity — or a tech company like Microsoft or Apple and say your computer has a virus that needs fixing. (It doesn’t.) They might even call about a family emergency. Whatever the “reason”, they’ll pressure you to act immediately by paying money. Don’t pay them.
Here are some ways that scammers will tell you to pay:
- “Pay us by putting money on a gift card and then give us the number on the back.” — That’s a scam.
- “We’ll send you a check. Deposit the check, and then send us the money.” — That’s a scam.
- “Pay us by sending money through a money transfer company like MoneyGram or Western Union.” — Also a scam.
- “Go to a store with a cryptocurrency ATM, put your money in to buy cryptocurrency, and use this QR code to send it to this address.” — Yep: scam.
If a scammer asked you to pay, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or, in Spanish, at ReporteFraude.ftc.gov. Then tell your loved ones and people in your community so they can avoid the scam, too.
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Consumer Alert
Recovery scams will follow Hurricane Ian. Here’s how to spot them
By
Gema de las Heras
Consumer Education Specialist
October 4, 2022
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Nobody knows how long it’ll take to recover from the destruction Hurricane Ian left behind. But we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in on the deadly storm. Whether you’re getting back on your feet or looking for ways to help people in areas hit hardest, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.
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Here are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal information after a weather emergency:
- Spot imposter scams. Scammers might pretend to be safety inspectors, government officials trying to help you, or utility workers who say immediate work is required. Don’t give them money, and ask for identification to verify who you are dealing with — before sharing personal information like your Social Security or account numbers.
- Spot FEMA impersonators charging application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. Download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information.
- Spot home improvement and debris removal scams. Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing.
- Spot rental listing scams. Scammers know people need a place to live while they rebuild. They’ll advertise rentals that don’t exist to get your money and run. The scammers are the ones who tell you to wire money, or who ask for security deposits or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease.
- Spot charity scams. Scammers will often try to profit from the misfortune of others, sometimes using familiar-sounding names or logos. Check Donating Wisely and Avoiding Charity Scams before opening up your wallet.
Learn more at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies and report weather-related scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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