Tag Archives: health information sources

Fraud Alert: Protecting Yourself from Healthcare Scams

It starts with a phone call, an unexpected email, or even a friendly knock at the door. Before you know it, someone’s after your money or worse, your health information.

Scams have gotten bolder, sneakier and in some cases, dangerously personal. These scams can leave both your health, safety and finances in jeopardy. 

You can protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date with the most common scams happening right now. 

To help you stay protected, I’ve compiled a detailed list of the top three scams that are currently targeting patients. Being aware of these common fraud tactics can help you recognize the warning signs early and avoid becoming a victim.

Text Message, Email, and Phone Scams

These scams use email (phishing), phone calls (vishing), and text messages (smishing) to trick you into giving up personal or financial information, especially Medicare or Social Security numbers.

Scammers may say:

  • “There’s a problem with your Medicare account.”
  • “You’ve won a free health product!”
  • “Click here to refill your prescription.”
  • “You’re eligible for a refund”.

These messages often look real but are designed to steal your identity or money. After healthcare data breaches, scammers pretend to be your doctor’s office or insurer and ask you to “verify” sensitive details.

Red flags:

  • Generic greetings like “Dear Patient” or “This is Medicare.gov”
  • Spelling or grammar mistakes
  • Asking you to click on a suspicious link
  • Unsolicited calls about medical equipment or tests
  • Threats that your Medicare benefits will be canceled
  • Requests for your full Medicare or Social Security number

Tip: Never click on links or give out personal information unless you’re sure who you’re talking to. Medicare and Medicaid will never call you asking for personal information out of the blue. Hang up and report it. Call your provider or insurance company directly if you’re unsure

Door-to-Door Scams

Some scammers take it offline literally knocking on your door. They may claim they’re offering “free” medical equipment or want to help you with home repairs, homecare, or cleaning services through Medicare or Medicaid.

Their goal: Gain your trust to steal your personal info, steal prescription medication or charge outrageous fees for work they never do.

Red flags:

  • Requests for Medicare/Medicaid details at your door
  • Asking your diagnosis or the names of medications you’re taking. 
  • High-pressure sales tactics
  • No business cards or verifiable credentials

Tip: Don’t sign anything or share personal info with someone who shows up uninvited. Always check with your provider before accepting any services. If you are unsure, run it by someone you trust. 

Scams by Caregivers or Family Members

Unfortunately, not all threats come from outsiders sometimes, they come from people you know and trust. This type of scam is one of the most heartbreaking and underreported types of fraud.

What it looks like:
A trusted person may begin by helping with errands, managing medications, or making purchases on your behalf. You might give them access to your debit or credit card to buy groceries or household items only to find more money withdrawn than expected. Unexplained bank withdrawals or missing funds may follow.

Over time, they could pressure you into signing legal documents, changing your will or even the deed to your home. You might notice your prescription bottles are empty too soon, or personal belongings go missing. Some scammers go further by taking your phone, isolating you from others, or creating confusion to make you doubt your own memory.

Watch out for:

  • Missing medications or valuables
  • A sudden shift in who controls your money
  • Feeling isolated or pressured by someone who says they’re helping

Tip: Stay connected with multiple trusted people. If one person tries to control all your communication or finances, that’s a red flag.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Scams like these are designed to confuse, pressure, or scare you. Knowledge is your best defense. Here are a few final tips:

  • Shred old bills and documents with personal info
  • If someone is rushing you to act, take a moment to pause and think
  • Set up transaction alerts with your bank
  • Talk regularly with someone you trust about finances and health
  • Report suspicious activity to Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
  • If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, you can reach out to Adult Protective Services (APS). APS is a program focused on safeguarding adults aged 18 and older who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Call 1-800-917-7383 (24/7) or https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-adult-services/adult-protective-services/.
  • In case of an immediate emergency, please call 911 right away.

Maryland Primary Care Physicians will only contact you using recognized office numbers. If you are ever uncertain about a communication, please contact your local office or our billing department directly at 410-729-2642.

To report any concerns related to fraud, waste, or abuse, please reach out to our Compliance Manager, Michelle Lubin, at [email protected].

Headlines, Hashtags, and Health: What to Trust (and What to Skip)

Smart choices start with smart sources. Here’s what to know.

When it comes to your health, quality, credible information matters–and not all of it is information equal.

Today, more people are turning to social media platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and even AI tools like ChatGPT to answer their health questions. While they can sometimes be helpful as a starting point, they’re not a substitute for personalized, evidence-based care. In fact, relying on viral content or attention-grabbing headlines can sometimes do more harm than good if the information is outdated, overly simplified, or just plain inaccurate. 

With that being said, where should you go for trustworthy, up-to-date health information?

Start with your primary care provider. 

Your MPCP physician knows your health history, your medications, concerns, and personal risk factors. They’re your first and most reliable source when it comes to understanding symptoms, treatment options, and preventative care. Trained providers, like those at MPCP, have learned to break down health information, weigh evidence, identify when a specialist may be required, and guide you through decisions based on your individual needs—not internet fearmongering.

If you’ve seen something online that concerns you, bring it to your appointment and your provider will talk it through with you.

Turn to trusted medical institutions.

Many leading hospitals and research centers offer free, easy-to-understand health resources online. A few reliable options include:

  • Mayo Clinic: Offers in-depth information on conditions, symptoms, and treatments.
  • Cleveland Clinic: Publishes health articles written and reviewed by medical professionals.
  • Harvard Health Publishing: Backed by Harvard Medical School, this site breaks down research and offers practical wellness tips. 
  • MedlinePlus (from the National Library of Medicine): Provides peer-reviewed information and links to scientific sources.

When reading health news, context matters.

News articles and health headlines can raise awareness about upcoming research and treatments, but they don’t always tell the full story. Scientific studies often involve limitations or early-stage results that get lost in translation. When reading health news, ask: Who conducted the study? Was it peer-reviewed? Was this study done on humans? How many subjects or people were studied? And remember, “promising” doesn’t always mean “proven.”

Be cautious with influencers and online personalities.

There are many well-meaning health creators out there, but also plenty who are unqualified or spreading misinformation. If you get health tips from a podcast, Instagram post, or video, check the person’s credentials and ensure that they are speaking within their specialty.

Be cautious of supplements or treatments being sold through social media. Unlike prescription medications, most supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, and some may be ineffective or even harmful. You could end up spending money on something that doesn’t help, or worse, puts your health at risk. Always talk to your primary care provider before starting any new supplement or health product.

What about tools like ChatGPT?

AI tools can help summarize concepts or point you in the right direction, but they aren’t medical professionals. Always verify health-related content with a trusted source, and never use AI tools to diagnose or treat a condition without speaking to your MPCP provider.

The Bottom Line

If something sounds too good to be true, or if you’re not sure who to trust, start with your primary care provider. At MPCP, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.

Need advice or have a question about something you’ve read online? Ask your provider for support on your next visit, or read our collection of health and wellness blogs: https://www.mpcp.com/health-wellness/