Authorities in multiple states are warning residents about a new scam that could be connected to Medicare fraud and identity theft.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTHR) — Authorities in multiple states are warning residents about a new scam that could be connected to Medicare fraud and identity theft.

WAVE3 reported on these DNA-for-cash scams happening in poor Louisiville neighborhoods, but never came to a conclusion as to why strangers were asking Medicaid patients in the neighborhoods to do DNA swabs.

People in a white, unmarked van were setting up shop and asking vulnerable residents to swab their cheeks for DNA in exchange for cash.

"At the time, I was at my down low and I needed that change," said one person who gave her DNA, Martha Mask. The unidentified people gave her $20 and said the swabs would be used to screen for cancer. The problem is, that type of screening doesn't exist.

"At the moment, you can't test for cancer using mouth swabs," University of Louisville Analytical Chemistry Professor Dr. Aleeta Powe told WAVE3.

The group gave another donor a contact phone number, but when a reporter called it later, there was no answer.

In Nebraska, the state's Department of Insurance had also heard of scammers offering DNA swabs for cancer screening a senior and assisted living facilities. The agency said non-cancer patients are being asked to undergo testing with the understanding that Medicare would pay for it. Other testing groups may ask patients for permission to be billed if Medicare doesn't cover it. It's a scam.

A Nebraska Department of Insurance spokesperson said Medicare dollars may have been used to pay for the swabbing.

Bloomberg reports the $20 payment to people who gave DNA probably violates federal anti-kickback laws designed to stop fraud and abuse of at government programs. It's unclear who is behind the tests in Kentucky or Nebraska.