Fake Pharmacy & Prescription Scams
We need your insurance info for prior authorization
Calls or texts claiming to be from your pharmacy or doctor's office, saying your prescription needs "prior authorization," "insurance verification," or has been "flagged for review." The scammer asks for your insurance card details, credit card information, or personal information under the guise of processing your medication.
What to Watch For
- Your pharmacy will never call asking for your credit card or full insurance details
- Caller can't provide your doctor's name or prescription details
- Pressure to provide information immediately or your medication will be delayed
- Caller asks you to read information from your insurance card
- Phone number doesn't match your pharmacy's official number
Examples
""Hi, this is CVS Pharmacy. We're calling about your prescription for metformin. We need to verify your insurance information and get a credit card on file for your copay. Can you read me the numbers on the back of your insurance card?""
Why it works: Uses a common medication name to seem legitimate. People are concerned about their medications and want to ensure they don't miss a refill. The pharmacy name (spoofed) adds trust.
What to Do
Hang up and call your pharmacy directly using the number on your prescription bottle or their official website. Pharmacies have your insurance information on file — they don't need you to provide it over the phone.