Providers Beware - Recent Identity Theft Schemes

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. If you have responded to an employment opportunity which, in retrospect seems suspicious, again contact the provider enrollment department so the information may be forwarded to the Program Safeguard contractor(PSC). Remember, it takes all of us working together to protect the Medicare Trust Fund.

Common Sense Tips!
1. Perform rigorous research regarding opportunities presented toyou when making application for joint venture opportunities of companies unknown to you.
2. Remove any unnecessary personal identifying information from outgoing correspondence.
3. Do not post your resume on line, especially if it contains any confidential personal identifying information.
4. Remember, no one from Medicare will contact you to verify your Medicare numbers. They already have this information.
5. Don’t leave laptops or other gateways into your personal information unattended.
6. Cancel computer access immediately when anyone leaves your employment.
7. Perform rigorous research regarding the company you intend to work for when applying for employment prior to sharing any personalinformation.
8. Check with your carrier to see what practice locations theyhave listed for you.
9. Contact the OIG Hotline if you suspect you are the victim ofprovider identity theft:

Phone:1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
Fax:1-800-223-8164TTY:1-800-377-4950
E-Mail:HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
Mail:
Office of Inspector GeneralDepartment of Health and Human Services
Attn: HOTLINE
P.O. Box 23489
Washington, DC 20026