Imperial Valley seniors targeted by fraudulent coronavirus tests
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial County is now issuing a warning to residents against fraudulent coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.
Specifically, to seniors. The County says to beware of individuals who visit senior housing, claiming to work in the medical field, seeking personal information of those they claim to test.
This, after the El Centro Police Department also issued a warning against fraudulent coronavirus tests.
Imperial County says these scams have impacted impacted a number of communities in the Imperial Valley, and investigations are ongoing.
The fraudulent testing has occurred over the past two weeks, reports Karla Flores of the Area Agency on Aging.
Individuals claiming to work in the medical field have gone to senior apartments, offered testing and requested personal information. There is no information as to the accuracy of the tests they have done.
“I can tell you that those who have been tested were told they would get their results in three days, but none have received a response,” Flores said.
Imperial County Sheriff’s officials and the Area Agency on Aging have issued the warning, urging seniors and all residents to avoid those who claim to offer testing at homes or apartments.
The County says only legal testing for the coronavirus is occurring at area medical facilities or at temporary centers that have registered with the county.
“If they have not registered with the county health department, they are not doing it in the right way,” said Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Robert Benavidez.
“They are not abiding by protocol.”
Legitimate healthcare facilities in the Valley do not offer home visits for coronavirus testing.
Benavidez says this is essentially identify theft.
County officials said those offering the fraudulent testing may ask for personal information, including, but not limited to, Social Security Numbers, Medical insurance information, drivers license numbers, birth dates, and addresses.
The Agency Area of Aging is urging all seniors to contact Karla Flores at (760) 604-9772 if they have concerns about fraudulent medical services. Concerned residents can also contact the Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 442-265-2021.
Both agencies suggest the following
- Do not submit to coronavirus testing unless at a clinic or proper medical facility (there have been temporary facilities set up in some areas, but they must be registered with the county Public Health Services)
- Ensure any agency conducting testing is registered with county Public Health Department
- Do not respond to offers of free medical equipment
- Only share Medicare numbers with trusted providers
- Check medical statements routinely for services not provided
- Report Medicare fraud to California Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-815-613-7080.
