Consumers should be wary of unsolicited phone calls seeking to deliver or install a “free” or “paid for” device that was not ordered
BALTIMORE (May 10, 2013)—Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler urged Marylanders to be wary and exercise caution if they receive an unsolicited phone call from a company seeking approval to deliver or install a medical alert or medical alarm device that the caller claims is already ordered and paid for, “free” or offered at no cost by an unspecified government-type program. In this scam, the unsolicited caller may attempt to get personal financial information and your home address over the phone.
“If you haven’t ordered such a device, hang up immediately and avoid this rip-off,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Never give out your personal financial information to any person or company that calls you on the phone unsolicited. Once again, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The caller may claim that the device has already been ordered and the company is asking to schedule an appointment for delivery or installation. The caller may also tell the consumer that while there is no charge for the device, there is a “dollar-a-day” fee for the service.
The Attorney General’s Health Education and Advocacy Unit has received several inquiries and complaints from consumers who were suspicious after receiving such calls.
Attorney General Gansler urges individuals who think they have been solicited with this scam to file a complaint with the Health Education and Advocacy Unit at http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/HEAU.htm or by calling 410-528-1840 or toll free at 877-261-8807.
If a consumer wishes to file a complaint about this scam, please make note of the following information and be able to provide, if possible:
-- The phone number that appeared on caller ID or left on the voice message
-- The company name or names used
-- The name of the person who called, if given
-- The date and time of the call
For other consumer complaints or questions, please contact the Consumer Protection Division’s general hotline at 410-528-8662 or toll-free at 888-743-0023. For more information or to file a complaint, please visit http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/index.htm.
Source: Office of Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler