If you are offered a free medical alert device, do not give them your personal information. Find out who they are, and get back to them.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (NYSDCP) has issued a warning regarding a scam, perpetrated over the phone, which is aimed at the senior population in New York. The scam consists of an unsolicited call offering you a “free medical alert device.” They will ask you for your personal information, and will be quite pushy.
If you are called by somebody who is asking for your personal information, be careful. If you do not recognize them, feel free to tell them that you are uncomfortable and hang up.
Ask who is calling and what company they are from, if they want your business they can wait while you think it over. If you have access to the internet, search the company name and see if they are reputable.
You do not need to give out your personal information to anyone calling you, especially not your social security number or credit card number.
You can also avoid unwanted sales calls by placing your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or logging onto www.DoNotCall.gov. If you are registered and still receive telemarketing calls, make sure to file a complaint at the same website and phone number.
Pat Ryan
Pat is a senior healthcare specialist. He has been involved in the community since 2007 and has been running A Gentle Touch Senior Home & Health Care since 2012.