---
title: "Medical Records Request Scam: Watch out for Phishing"
description: Watch for fraudulent medical records requests!
---

[Practice Support Services](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport)

# [Medical Records Request Scam: Watch out for Phishing](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/medical-records-request-scam-watch-out-for-phishing)

 Written by [Practice Support Team](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/author/practice-support-team) | Jun 26, 2024 6:15:00 PM

CMS identified phishing scams for medical records. This may include scammers faxing you fraudulent medical records requests to get you to send patient records in response; see [example (PDF)](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/medical-record-phishing.pdf).

When you review any requests, look for signs of a scam, including:

- Directing you to send records to an unfamiliar fax number or address
- Referencing Medicare.gov or @Medicare (.gov)
- Indicating they need records to “update insurance accordingly” 

A scam request may include:

- Poor grammar, misspellings, or strange wording
- Incorrect phone numbers
- Skewed or outdated logos
- Graphics that are cut and pasted

If you think you got a fraudulent or questionable request, work with your [Medical Review Contractor](https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/review-contractor-directory-interactive-map) to confirm if it’s real. Submit medical documentation through the [Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD)](https://www.cms.gov/data-research/computer-data-systems/esmd/esmd-medicare-providers-and-suppliers) system or CMS medical review contractor secure internet portals, when available. 

*Source: [MLN Connects Newsletter June 20, 2024](https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-06-20-mlnc#_Toc169604564)*

[View full post](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/medical-records-request-scam-watch-out-for-phishing)

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