Another "Is this a scam" question

[wdfifteen]

So I got a text from some outfit that wants to do a genetic test for neurological problems. I said it sounded OK to me. We got in touch by phone, and the guy had the same script as the scammers who call. He called me "Mr Patrick" a lot and - trying to be delicate here - his voice and accent made it clear he isn't from around here, though he said his name is, "Adam." I kept waiting for him to ask for an SS or Medicare number or something. But he said, "This is billed through your insurance 100%, no charge to you," several times.

So we go through some questions and he finally says, "I need you to say your name very clearly so we can bill this to Medicare."

At that point I told him I was done and ended the call.

So:
1. Guy calls up and offers some medical screening that no doctor has ever recommended.
2. His script and tone of his voice sounds like a scammer trying to get my bank account or SS number.
3. He wants my permission to bill this "test" to medicare and can't tell me the amount.

Sounds to me like a Medicare fraud scam
Does it fishy to you, or am I too cynical?

[Scott Douglas]

Fishy as a 10 day old flounder left out in the sun.

[Chocaholic]

I’d have never responded to such a text. Yes, it’s a scam and they now know your cell number is real.

Rule of thumb, if a call or text comes from someone not in your address book, ignore it.

[pwd72s]

At the very least an attempt to defraud medicare...in your name.

[rcooled]

They're after a voiceprint of you saying your name to be used in a scam of some sort. You were smart to end that call when you did.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

I’d have never responded to such a text.

Rule of thumb, if a call or text comes from someone not in your address book, ignore it.

I am involved in a medical research project and I responded to the first text because I thought it had something to do with that. I've corresponded with three or four different departments related to the project.
I should have been more suspicious early on.

[pwd72s]

That's how they almost got Cindy...she's been dealing with Xfinity. So, when a scammer called, happening to say she was with Xfinity... Luckily, I returned home in time from the barber shop...Cindy on the 'puter, with the phone in her ear, almost to the point of opening our checking account to the scammer..a refund scam. She had given our account number, but hadn't yet done the steps to let them in. I must have set a new personal record from home to the bank where that account was closed, another opened...a PITA, but coulda been worse.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I am involved in a medical research project and I responded to the first text because I thought it had something to do with that. I've corresponded with three or four different departments related to the project.
I should have been more suspicious early on.

Ah, understood. Good that you unplugged when you did.

[stealthn]

They probably had all he voice recordings they needed other than your name to create a voice fake.

Way too may smishes these days