What is the medical alert scam?

The “medical alert scam” (also called the “medical alert system scam” or “life alert scam”) is a fraudulent scheme where scammers try to trick people — especially elderly individuals — into paying for or sharing personal information for fake medical alert devices or services.

Here’s how it usually works 👇

🧠 How the scam works

1. Unsolicited contact
   • The scammer calls, emails, or sends a recorded (robocall) message saying something like:

“You’ve been selected to receive a free medical alert device, already paid for by a friend or the government.”

1. • Sometimes they claim to be from Medicare, Life Alert, or a hospital.
2. Creating urgency or fear
   • They may say the offer is limited-time only or that the device is critical for your safety if you fall or live alone.
   • They might even say “your doctor recommended this for you.”
3. Collecting personal information
   • The scammer asks for:
     • Credit card or bank details (“just to cover shipping”)
     • Social Security number
     • Medicare number
   • Once you share it, they can steal your money or identity.
4. Fake billing or automatic charges
   • Even if a device arrives, it’s usually cheap or nonfunctional.
   • Some scammers keep charging monthly fees without consent, and it’s very hard to cancel.

⚠️ Warning signs

• You didn’t request any medical alert device.
• The caller says it’s “free” or already paid for.
• They ask for personal or financial information.
• The company refuses to give a callback number or written details.
• They use pressure tactics (“You must confirm today!”).

🛡️ How to protect yourself or a loved one

• Hang up immediately on suspicious calls.
• Don’t press any buttons during robocalls (it confirms your number is active).
• Never share personal, Medicare, or bank information with unknown callers.
• Check with family members or your doctor before signing up for any service.
• Report scams to:
  • The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) in the U.S. — reportfraud.ftc.gov