Are You a Victim of Identity Theft?

A group of unknown individuals is soliciting personal identification information from physicians by posing as a Medicare Carrier. Once the personal information is obtained, this group is submitting fraudulent applications to Medicare and obtaining provider numbers, with legitimate provider information, for new practice locations. Once the new provider number is established, these individuals are rapidly submitting a large volume of claims to the Medicare Carrier for payment.

You May Be a Victim and Not Know It!

In one instance, a provider received a fax on what appeared to be the Carrier's letterhead. The fax was labeled "CMS File Update" and asked for a series of documents, including copies of the physician's medical license and driver's license. The physician faxed the requested information to a toll-free "877" number. The unknown party then submitted a Medicare provider application (CMS 855) under the provider's name and set up a 'fake' office in another city. The real physician discovered the fraud when a third party insurer contacted him for a refund on a patient that was not his.

Protect Your Identity!

If you have recently received a phone call or fax from an alleged Contractor employee asking for a "CMS File Update", please contact the Provider Enrollment department immediately for verification. Remember, it takes all of us working together to protect the Medicare Trust Fund.

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 15-Dec-2011 14:14:49 CST