What is the medical alert scam?

The “medical alert scam” is a type of telephone or online fraud where scammers target seniors or their families by pretending to offer free emergency medical alert devices (like the necklace button to call for help after a fall). The goal is to steal money, personal information, or credit card details.

How the Scam Works

1. You receive a call or message saying you qualify for a “free medical alert system.”
2. They claim it is paid for by:
   • Medicare
   • A government health program
   • A family member or doctor
3. The scammer asks you to confirm:
   • Personal details
   • Medicare number
   • Bank or credit card information
4. Once they have your details, they:
   • Charge hidden fees
   • Sell your data
   • Steal your identity
   • Never deliver the device

Common Signs of This Scam

🚩 Unsolicited calls offering “FREE medical alert devices”
🚩 Pressure to act quickly or “offer expires today”
🚩 They request personal or financial information
🚩 Claims that government/Medicare approved it (Medicare does not give free alert systems by phone)

Real vs Fake