FAIRMONT — In this day and age, people can be reached by cell phone, email, text messages and social media, making hearing from loved ones easier than ever.

However, it’s also now easier to get spam messages or calls from telemarketers or scammers. One group of people targeted more than any other is senior citizens.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce this month issued a warning from the federal government regarding a new fraud scheme involving genetic testing.

Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, allows the determination of bloodlines and the genetic diagnosis of vulnerabilities to inherited diseases, making it appealing to many. People who are interested in knowing their families origin also may be interested in and undergo genetic testing.

Though it may be appealing, it requires delicate information. Scammers across the country are offering Medicare beneficiaries check swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes.

However, fraudsters are not just cold-calling older adults. They also are targeting them at public events, health fairs and door-to-door visits.

“It’s a new thing that’s been seen in several southern states and it’s beginning to be seen elsewhere in the country as well,” said Fairmont Police Chief Mike Hunter. “Minnesota’s goal is to get ahead of it and get its seniors the information regarding it so they don’t end up on the wrong side of the scam.”

Looking at the scam, Hunter said it is just another way for scammers to try to get money out of seniors and open them up for identity theft.

“Scammers are very good at what they do,” he noted. “When they call or even talk to you in person, they seem very professional and legitimate. Once you start looking at what they’re offering and what information they’re trying to get from you, just be aware that anytime something seems wrong, it probably is wrong.”

Hunter said he tells people to never provide their personal information or Medicare number to someone unless it is a trusted health care provider.

“Anytime somebody approaches you and offers money to participate or says it’s a free service, be skeptical about it,” he said. “You may provide personal information that they can use to put you as a victim or identity theft down the road.”

Hunter said there are several reasons why seniors may be the target of scams. These include the complexity of the scam. He also explained that many seniors primarily use the telephone to pay bills or handle other issues, so they are used to talking on the phone.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services said Minnesotans should be mindful of the following ways to minimize the risk of personal information being misused and used fraudulently:

o A physician you know and trust should approve any requests for genetic testing.

o Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free genetic testing and then requests your Medicare number.

o Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare number. If anyone other than your physician’s office requests your Medicare information, do not provide it.

o If a genetic testing kit is mailed to you, don’t accept it unless it was ordered by your physician. Refuse the delivery or return it to the sender and keep a record of the sender’s name and date you returned the items.