Fraud & Scam Alert

[Tom Galli]

We lung cancer survivors seem to be frequent targets for those wanting to take advantage of our disease and vulnerability. With that in mind, here is information on the latest fraud and scams you might encounter.

• Individuals and dozens of telemedicine companies and laboratories have been charged with fraud billing Medicare more than $2.1 billion for cancer genetic (CGx) tests. Here are the details. Lesson learned. Beware those pushing cancer genetic testing through telemarketing and "health fairs." Your physician ought to order all such testing and reports should be provided to ordering physicians for interpretation.
• Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries "free" screenings or cheek swaps for genetic testing in order to obtain personal information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes. Be wary of those offering anything "free". Here are the details. 
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned three companies marketing cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products for advertising these products can prevent, treat or cure human disease. Here are the details. And, the FTC and Food and Drug Administration warned Rooted Apothecary, L.L.C. for selling CBD products online with unsubstantiated treatment claims. Here is the letter. Here are additional CBD warning letters issued earlier in the year. CBD is the "it" wonder product but effectiveness is yet to be established.

The old adage "it sounds too good to be true" is sadly still our watchword.

Stay the course.

Tom