Protect Yourself from MyChart Scams and Fraud

McFarland Clinic, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Ames Surgery Center want you to be aware of phishing and fraud attempts that misuse the MyChart name and logo.

These scams may come by email, text message, phone call, or through a website designed to look legitimate. Some messages claim that you have been selected to receive a free Medicare kit, reward, survey incentive, prize, or other benefit.

Their goal may be to obtain your personal information, MyChart login credentials, multifactor authentication codes, or payment information.

Similar scams have been reported by healthcare organizations across the country and have been highlighted by Epic, the company behind MyChart.

Know the Warning Signs

Be cautious if you receive an unexpected message that:

• Offers a free Medicare kit, gift, prize, reward, survey incentive, or other benefit through MyChart.
• Asks for your MyChart password or multifactor authentication code.
• Requests credit card, banking, or other payment information.
• Directs you to an unfamiliar website to sign in to MyChart.
• Asks you to download software, open an unexpected attachment, or follow computer commands.
• Pressures you to respond or act immediately.

McFarland Clinic, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames Surgery Center, and Epic do not send unsolicited offers for free gifts, Medicare kits, prizes, or rewards through MyChart.

The Safest Way to Access MyChart

If you receive an unexpected MyChart message, do not click a link in the message if you are unsure whether it is legitimate.

McFarland Clinic, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Ames Surgery Center share a MyChart portal at https://www.mychartiowa.com. Patients can access the portal through the MyChart app or through any of the three partners' websites.

Protect Your Information

Never provide the following in response to an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call:

• MyChart password
• Multifactor authentication or verification code
• Credit card or banking information
• Other sensitive personal information

If you receive a suspicious message, do not click links or open attachments. Report the message as spam or phishing in your email program when possible, and then delete it.

If You Think You Responded to a Scam

If you entered your MyChart password on a suspicious website, change your password as soon as possible.

If you provided financial information, contact your bank or card issuer.

If you downloaded software or followed computer instructions provided by a suspicious website or message, stop using that device for sensitive activity until it can be evaluated.

You can also review the contact information in your MyChart account to make sure nothing has been changed.

Learn More

Epic has additional examples and guidance to help patients recognize MyChart-related scams and fraud.

Learn more from MyChart about staying safe from scams and fraud.