Last week, as usual, I received perhaps seven or eight phone calls (not live) telling me I was qualified for a free medical alert system. One enthusiastic female told me that I had been referred to them by a “friend” who is now on my bucket list. Another senior freebie I was delighted to hear about was the fabulous, free cruise trip to the Bahamas – a place I’ve never been.
I can only hope the medical alert system and the cruise tickets arrive at the same time – I would really want to be safe if I took a fall while on board, and the cruise ship was halfway between Maine and the Bahamas. Medic alert would really be helpful.
It’s just plain annoying to have supper disturbed, or be outdoors and hurry to answer the phone only to have that chirpy voice repeat what you’ve already heard more than enough.
AARP received information from multiple locations concerning fraudulent telephone calls being made to residents from callers claiming to be representatives for a medical alert system.
Claimants report receiving a phone call in which they are told not to hang up and that AARP is making available a senior alert system. The caller also states that the resident has been referred to the program by a physician and if they buy into the program, they will receive $3,000 in grocery store certificates. The phone number making the calls is 626-207-2454 and is listed as a California phone number.
This is a scam. AARP is not making calls soliciting customers for a senior alert system. If Mainers receive this call they are urged to hang up and report it to their local police department and to the attorney general.
AARP is urging all residents to be aware of this scam and to be reminded to never give out personal information such as a Social Security number, credit card number or bank information to unknown sources.
Residents who receive telephone calls from someone claiming to be from AARP or any other entity that asks for sensitive information should contact their local police department immediately to report the incident.
For information on how to avoid scams, go to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
These collection attempts by scammers and other fraudulent IRS-related activities should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.
Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.
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