More of the same:
These scams pop up like dandelions in the springtime. Pass along to seniors.
Beware of “Free Medical Alert” Scam. Potentially fraudulent calls have been made to homes in Norwalk and as far away as Texas.
The Norwalk Police Department advised local residents to be on the lookout for a possible telephone scam that has been reported recently in Norwalk and in other communities across the country.
I became aware of the possible scam after a message was left on his home answering machine on Thursday.
It is a sad fact that there is no shortage of people out there who looking to take advantage of others, particularly senior citizens. This apparent scam targets seniors directly with promises of a ‘Free Medical Alert System’, something that sounds similar to a legitimate product often advertised on television. Remember never to give out personal information over the phone to someone you do not know or trust. If you may have been a victim of this scam, please notify our local police.
The calls in question involve a prerecorded message in which the potential victim is told they have received a “Free Medical Alert System” and is then asked to disclose personal information.
A warning from the Stephenville Police Department of Stephenville, Texas about these calls describes them in detail:
The potential victim is called and a prerecorded message tells them that they have won a “Medical Alert System” and to hold on to provide Shipping Information. The message then tells the potential victim to press a number to speak to a representative. The call then either disconnects or puts the potential victim on hold to music. Next, the representative picks up the line and they give a sells pitch over the product. Finally, the representative then attempts to confirm personal information including the shipping information.
The calls are coming from (209) 676-3148 and may show up on Caller ID as a legitimate bank or business.
Detective Bill Maloney of the Norwalk Police Department said, “I would advise anyone that is solicited by phone to look into any company they are considering doing business with. Make sure you have any proposals in writing, and do not give out any financial information to strangers over the phone.”
Detective Maloney added, “With regard to this particular series of calls about ‘Medical Alert Systems’, people have every reason to be cautious. There have been numerous Do Not Call complaints about this particular telephone number around the country. A local resident was recently victimized by a similar, but likely different call.”
Area residents who worry they may have been a victim of a scam may contact the Norwalk Police Department at (203) 854-3000 or the Darien Police Department at (203) 662-5300.
(via Bob Duff)
