‘Free’ genetic tests in your mailbox are most likely scams [Video]

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Genetic testing can help unlock your health risks for certain diseases like cancer.

But can it also open you up to healthcare fraud?

Barbara Stetson said it started with a UPS package delivered to her Zephyrhills address. Inside the box was a cheek swab, test tube, and what looked like a legitimate lab order with Stetson’s personal information, including her Medicare number.

Not long after the delivery, Stetson said her phone rang.

She didn’t recognize the number.

“That was kind of spooky,” Stetson said. “I thought, what on Earth?”

She said the man on the phone claimed to be with the lab that sent the “free” test. He wanted to walk Stetson through how to take it and mail it back. Medicare would cover the cost, he told her.

But Stetson said it wasn’t her physician listed on the lab …