Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a warning Friday about a phishing scam targeting users of MyChart, an online patient portal widely used by hospitals and health care providers.<\/p>\n
Scammers are sending fake emails and text messages offering patients a chance to claim a reward called a \u201cMyChart Medicare Kit.\u201d <\/p>\n
State officials emphasized that no such program or reward exists and the messages are fraudulent attempts to trick recipients into revealing personal information, account passwords and verification codes.<\/p>\n
\u201cScammers are always looking for new ways to obtain as much of your personal information as possible,\u201d Sunday said. \u201cStay on the lookout for this new scam tactic and contact your medical office if you\u2019re not sure how to access the MyChart website assigned to your providers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Attorney General\u2019s Office advised patients to remain skeptical of unsolicited free offers and avoid opening attachments or clicking links in suspicious messages. <\/p>\n
Recipients should not click \u201cunsubscribe\u201d links inside fraudulent emails because those links may also be malicious. <\/p>\n
Additionally, consumers should never provide passwords or verification codes by phone, text or email, nor should they follow prompts instructing them to move to a computer to verify or unlock an account.<\/p>\n
State officials reminded patients to only access patient portals through the official MyChart website or mobile application provided directly by their medical team. <\/p>\n
Consumers who have questions or believe they have been targeted by the scam can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-441-2555.<\/p>\n
Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n