In our community, trust is everything. At Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, we want to give you the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.
We've been notified today (Thurs. 2-19-26) that several of our patients have been receiving calls from scammers pretending to be Chesapeake General Hospital stating the patient owes money and requesting payment. IF YOU RECEIVE ONE OF THESE PHONE CALLS, hang up immediately - and call Patient Financial Services to verify if there is a bill amount outstanding. DO NOT provide any information to the caller.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Most Common Healthcare Scams?
- How Can I Spot a Fake Message?
- How Do I Proactively Protect My Information?
- What Should I Do If I Get Scammed?
What Are the Most Common Healthcare Scams?
Scammers target everyone and their methods are getting more sophisticated. They often use fake bills for services you never received, offer free medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number, or create fake websites for telehealth services to steal your information.
How Can I Spot a Fake Message?
Fraudulent messages often try to create a sense of panic to rush you into making a mistake. Be cautious if a text, call, or email pressures you to act fast, asks for personal data like your Social Security number to "verify" an appointment, or threatens to cut off your benefits.
If you're ever unsure about a message, contact your provider's office directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. Scammers can mask their phone numbers or create fake email addresses that look real, so it's always best to be vigilant.
How Do I Proactively Protect My Information?
The best defense starts with a few simple, powerful habits. Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and turn on multi-factor authentication whenever possible for an extra layer of security.
Never share personal details on social media, and always delete suspicious texts or emails without clicking on any links. These small steps make a big difference in keeping your health and financial information secure.
What Should I Do If I Get Scammed?
If you think you've been a victim of a scam, acting quickly can limit the damage. Immediately call your bank to freeze your accounts, place a fraud alert with one of the major credit bureaus, and change your passwords for important online accounts.
You should also report the incident by filing a police report and contacting the FTC and the Virginia Attorney General's Office. Taking these immediate steps helps protect you and helps authorities track down the people responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scammers fake a phone number from Chesapeake Regional Medical Center?
Yes, scammers can use a technique called "phone number masking" to make a call look like it's coming from a legitimate location like a doctor's office or hospital. Always be cautious, and if a call seems suspicious, hang up and call the office back using their official phone number.
What kind of payment do healthcare scammers ask for?
Scammers often demand fast payment through unusual methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate healthcare providers will not ask for payment in these forms.
Will Chesapeake Regional Healthcare ever text me a link?
We may contact you to confirm appointments or complete pre-appointment check-ins by phone or text, if opted in. However, be wary of any unsolicited links, especially those that create a sense of urgency about payments or account verification.
How do I know if a health app is safe to use?
Only use health apps that are recommended directly by your trusted provider. Scam apps can look real but are designed to steal your insurance information, Medicare number, or other personal data. To utilize one of our Chesapeake Regional patient portals (MyChart or Athena), click here.
What are the signs of a Medicare scam call?
Hang up immediately if a caller claiming to be from Medicare asks for your Medicare or Social Security number, threatens to cut off your benefits, or offers free gifts or services in exchange for your information.
Who should I report a healthcare scam to in Virginia?
If you've been scammed, you should file a report with the Virginia Attorney General's Office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Chesapeake Police Department. If you live outside of Chesapeake, please report the scam to your local police department.
What is the fastest way to protect my credit if I've been scammed?
Immediately place a fraud alert with one of the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You only need to contact one, as they are required to notify the other two.