Video Transcript

Hello, I'm Acting Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer Schlinz.

In honor of National Report Medicare Fraud Day on September 12, FBI Phoenix is encouraging the public to be aware of health care fraud, and actions you can take to help prevent yourself from falling victim. 

Health care fraud is a scheme that attempts to defraud private or government health care programs. Schemes may include offers for fake insurance cards, stolen health information, and various other scams involving medications, supplements, or diversion practices.  

Health care fraud can be committed by medical providers, patients, and others who intentionally deceive the health care system to receive unlawful benefits or payments. These scams are often initiated through spam email, internet ads, social media, and fraudulent websites. 

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), nationally, these scams accounted for over 1,000 victims reporting losses of more than $29 million in 2020.

The FBI suggests these tips to help protect yourself from health care related scams: 

Protect your health insurance information.

• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals. 
• Beware of “free” services. If you’re asked to provide your health insurance information for a “free” service, it’s most likely not free. 
• Check your explanation of benefits (EOB) regularly. Make sure the dates, locations, and services billed match what you actually received. If you believe you have been the victim of health care fraud, please contact FBI Phoenix at (623)466-1999.