Virtua Health is warning our patients, community, and staff of an email phishing scam that uses fraudulent emails promising a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” This scam is circulating nationally.

The scam emails use subject lines such as “Your MyChart Medicare Kit Awaits!” or “Senior Health Package,” and refer to free senior wellness packages. They do not originate from MyChart, its parent company, Epic; or from Virtua or other health systems.

These messages are not from Virtua or MyChart, and there is no sign that Virtua or MyChart has been hacked.

If you receive such an email or any other suspicious email, delete it without opening any attachments or clicking on any links. Do not click on the “unsubscribe” option.

“Certain clues can help alert you to a scam, such spelling and grammar errors, and offers of free items or services—especially those requiring a quick decision. We also encourage people to verify the sender’s email address,” said Tom Gordon, senior vice president and chief information officer for Virtua.

“We want everyone to be wary of scams like this, which are designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or handing over personal information,” Gordon added.
Here are more tips to protect yourself:

• Check the email and website address. Look closely at the sender’s full email address and its website address. Odd or unfamiliar addresses can be signs of a scam.
• Protect your password and verification codes. Virtua will never ask you to provide your MyChart password or verification codes by phone, text, or email. Only enter them through the official MyChart website or app.
• Be wary of “free” offers. MyChart does not offer giveaways. Messages that promise free gifts or health kits may be scams.
• Do not follow computer instructions from unexpected messages. MyChart will not ask you to use keyboard shortcuts or run commands to “verify,” “fix” or “unlock” your account.
• If in doubt, stop. If you’re suspicious about a MyChart message, do not enter your login, personal, or payment information. Contact your provider’s office for assistance.

For more information, visit https://www.mychart.org/l/en-us/help/staying-safe-from-scams-and-fraud/.