People need to be aware of a scam regarding DNA testing.

An invitation to an educational program to explain how DNA testing might be of benefit for selecting the right medication or assessing the risk of some disease.

Those attending are offered a swab to collect cells from the mouth to test the DNA. They may be told that Medicare will pay for this, and the results will be made available. The problem is that Medicare does not pay for such testing unless the physician deems it necessary and requests it.

This scam requires the victims to provide their Medicare number and other identifying information. This information can be used for identity theft or medical identity theft. Do not provide this personal information to those offering to do this testing which is not requested by your physician.

If anyone has questions regarding what may be a scam, contact the Seniors vs Crime Project office, which is a project of the Florida attorney general’s office. We are located in the northwest Polk County sheriff’s office, 1045 Wedgewood Estates Blvd., Lakeland, or contact us at (863) 577-1672. We are open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dick Fearnow, Polk County Office Manager, Seniors vs Crime, Lakeland