CMS Warns of Fraud Scheme

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is warning providers to be on alert for phishing requests to provide Medicare patient information.

CMS has received numerous complaints from providers receiving a fraudulent fax notice advising of a Medicare audit being done by CMS. The fax notice impersonates CMS and instructs the provider to submit medical documentation and other information to “CMS” or face fines or significant consequences.

CMS states that it does not initiate an audit by requesting that the provider submit sensitive Medicare records via fax. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) have been reaching out to providers to share the warning from CMS. Providers who receive a suspicious request should contact their MAC to verify its validity. Do not respond to the request. CMS urges providers to protect information.

The CMS post is available at CMS.gov: Alert: Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Phishing Fax Requests.