Patients are being warned about phishing scams involving emails and text messages that appear to be connected to MyChart, the popular medical patient portal.<\/p>\n
The messages are typically designed to obtain personal information or a password to a patient’s account.<\/p>\n
MyChart confirmed to NBC10 that in some cases, the suspicious messages promise “free” services in exchange for personal information. MyChart said it does not run giveaways.<\/p>\n
Patients should check who sent a message before clicking any links. If the phone number or email domain isn’t recognizable, do not click the link.<\/p>\n
Instead, patients can open the MyChart app or go directly to their health care provider’s website to check their messages.<\/p>\n
Anyone who shared a password through a suspicious link should change their password immediately.<\/p>\n
Penn Medicine issued a warning about the scam.<\/p>\n
“Penn Medicine is aware of the nationwide scam involving fraudulent emails and text messages advertising a free \u201cMyChart Medicare Kit\u201d or \u201cSenior Health Package.\u201d \u00a0We have received few reports from patients but have taken proactive steps to raise awareness, including posting information on our website. We encourage patients and their families to remain cautious and avoid sharing personal information in response to unsolicited messages,” a spokesperson for Penn Medicine wrote in a statement. <\/p>\n
Main Line Health told NBC10 Responds it is also aware of the MyChart-related phishing scams.<\/p>\n
“we are\u00a0taking proactive steps to further protect our patients\u2019 privacy and security. At this time, we are not aware of any patients being impacted by the \u2018Medicare Kit\u2019 scam,” a spokesperson for Main Line Health wrote in a statement. “We encourage all patients to remain vigilant and be cautious of unexpected messages claiming to be from MyChart. Patients should never click on suspicious links or provide their login information in response to an unsolicited message. MyChart credentials should only be entered through the official MyChart website or mobile app.”<\/p>\n
Cooper Health said that it has not received any reports of the scam. NBC10 Responds is still waiting to hear from Jefferson Health.<\/p>\n
Epic Systems, MyChart’s parent company, shared additional tips on how patients can protect themselves<\/a>. Penn Medicine also listed its official email addresses and phone numbers.<\/p>\n