Jun 27, 2013
AG Kilmartin Warns Consumers of Medical Alert Services Scam
senior with wallet
After receiving calls from consumers complaining about unsolicited phone calls offering free medical alert services, AG Kilmartin is warning Rhode Islanders not to be fooled by this scam.
In some cases, consumers receive a recorded message saying that a family member has ordered a medical alert system, but more information is needed before the product can be shipped. The messages are a scam to get personal identifying information from the consumer - including credit card numbers, bank account information or Medicare card numbers.
"While medical alert systems do save lives, this scam does nothing more than harm unsuspecting consumers, especially seniors," said AG Kilmartin. "It is a constant battle to stay ahead of scam artists, who often live outside the U.S. and outside the reach of law enforcement. Consumer education is the best defense we have against these types of scams."
For more information, as well as tips to protect yourself from this type of scam, click here.