Apr 17, 2017
The first entry here? The CID is a working number, I checked. I wanted to let all of you know which scam this was, so I did answer just to hear their shpiel, and then they hung up on me when they realized I was messing with them (haha!) I then called their number back from my anonymous burner phone, to hear what that outgoing message said, too, it had no option to speak to a person. The girl deliberately spoke so fast that I insisted she say everything again. There was a lot of background noise, it's a boilerplate room. "National-Something" company, a generic name, trying to schmooze me by talking rapidly, telling me they were calling because they "know" I have low back pain and "want a brace." An attempt to gaslight us into thinking we called them first.
What shocked me is that they then called me by name, and I immediately said "that's not my name, i found out she died, the phine company gave me the number several years ago." I became confrontational and told them I didn't usually answer scam calls but answered this one because I wanted to tell others about which scam this one was. I made fun of her Filipino accent, too. That was mean, and I don't care. She hung up.
I called their number back from my burner phone, to hear what that recording said, and it said if I didn't want to be contacted press 1. The problem, of course, is that it was reading my burner number, not the other number they bothered me on. So that won't work, and frankly, it wouldn't work anyway because these scammers disregard you pressing 1, it's just one more way they know you answered your phone, that the number they called is a working number and that you actually answer. They never take you off their list, and share it everywhere. It doesn't matter who the number belongs to, they just call it.
So that's this scammer's story. The usual back brace scam: they try to gaslight you into thinking you asked for their callback and need a brace. Be careful what you say if you accidentally answer the phone, because they may have your personal information, too. Be prepared. Try to remember that area code and don't answer at all.
Be aware that although their recording and TV ad says insurance will cover it, you'd have to actually see a doctor anyway, in order for him to write the scrip that would get it reimbursed, otherwise you will be saddled with the bill yourself, for a piece of junk that would be impossible to return. We've all seen the numerous ads on TV, they're mediocre braces, and this might even be credit card theft, not even a brace. If you really want to try a brace, go to a local brick-and-mortar for one, it's safer and the quality won't be better or worse. It might not be what you need, you might instead need conservative measures such as NSAIDs, application of heat/cold, physical therapy or an exercise/stretching program, pool theraoy, occupational therapy, weight reduction, etc. Back pain can also be a symptom of some underlying condition that needs attention. Braces can make the injury worse and the muscles weaker. And doctors can all fill out forms for you, to get it covered, if a brace is what you do need. DMEs need a scrip to be covered by insurance.
These people furthermore called me despite my being on DNC, another proof that they're disreputable scammers.
Yes... I do know a lot about this stuff because I worked for orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons for Many years, and vultures like these guys anger me, preying upon you when you are suffering and maybe can't even afford a doctor. Try other conservative measures first, and if they don't help, see a real doctor. And there are even real established DME suppliers online, if you want to pay for it yourself. Just don't respond to the ones that advertise on TV and approach you by phone first, unsolicited. Don't trust those scam callers!
This was important enough for me to make an entry here. I don't like people who prey upon the suffering and vulnerable, it's disgusting. Good luck.