(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police is aware of subjects soliciting elderly residents to participate in free genetic testing and/or free cancer screenings that require the collection of a cheek swab. During this contact, subjects are collecting personal information from the elderly resident to include their name, date of birth and health insurance information to include their Medicare number. Residents may also be told that there is no cost for this service and that Medicare or their insurance will be billed for the testing.

The New Castle County Division of Police would like to inform residents that genetic testing and/or cancer screenings must be ordered by the patient’s doctor and be medically necessary for Medicare coverage. Random genetic testing and cancer screenings are not covered by Medicare.

If you have questions about Medicare or potential Medicare fraud, please reach out to the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau at 302-674-7364. If you think you have been a victim of Medicare fraud call 1-800-Medicare or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Also if If you think you have been the victim of a scam or fraud please do not be embarrassed or ashamed.  These scammers can be very convincing and you are not alone.  Contact the New Castle County Police non-emergency line (302)-573-2800 to report a scam or (302) 395-8171.