Free Medical Alert Scams Targeting Connecticut Consumers

Connecticut BBB Warns Medical Device and Insurance Fraud a Growing Problem 

Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about callers asking for personal information in return for a free medical alert system or medical equipment and services.

A joint statement issued by Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner William Rubenstein, says callers are contacting consumers, pretending to pass themselves off as a legitimate business.  Information they request, such as a Social Security number or date of birth can be used for identity theft.   

Some of the calls are coming from companies identifying themselves as “Emergency Medical Alert Systems,” “Senior Safety Alert,” “Senior Emergency Care,” “Senior Safe Alert” or a similar variation.   The medical alert system is supposed to help seniors in the event of a medical emergency or home break-in. 

The automated calls claim someone has ordered a free medical alert system and that information is required to process shipping.  

However, this is not the only type of fraud targeting the elderly and infirmed.  Better Business Bureau and law enforcement agencies across the country report callers pretending to be from a doctor’s office are also contacting consumers and asking them “to verify” personal information, including insurance coverage details. 

Some con artists are also trying to extract information and credit card numbers by claiming the victim must comply under the Affordable Health Care Act. 

BBB offers the following advice for consumers and their parents, to prevent becoming the victim of these unscrupulous practices:

 1.  Never give out personal information over the telephone, even if the caller claims to be from a doctor’s office or government agency.

2.  Do not make an on-the-spot decision and give out credit card information to any unsolicited caller.

3.  If you receive an automated call (robocall) offering a deal, the best strategy is to hang up. Do not press any digits to speak to a customer service agent or have your telephone number removed from the calling list.

4.  Never pay for anything you receive but didn’t order, even if you are threatened with legal action.  According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) you have the legal right to keep it as a “free gift.”

5.  To prevent unwanted marketing calls, contact the Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov, or by telephone at 1-888-382-1222.

6.  If you are interested in obtaining medical equipment or services, ask for any offers in writing, and contact your insurer to see whether an offer is legitimate, if you qualify for a discount and to verify the identity of the company and caller.                                                                                                                                       

-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau 

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