The calls were often made to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry and typically “spoofed” caller ID information so that the consumer thought they were dealing with a local company.
The internet even contains scripts for such calls, so anyone can start such a scam.
Some scammers used pre-recorded messages, which were meant to sound like a live person, that falsely told consumers that a $400 medical alert system had been purchased for them, and they could receive it “at no cost whatsoever.” However, telemarketers would not answer questions about who bought the system for them.
Many messages claimed falsely that their medical alert system had been endorsed or recommended by reputable organizations like the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, National Institute on Aging, or the AARP.
The callers also told consumers they would not be charged any monitoring fee on the device until they activated the system, even though their credit or debit cards were charged immediately. The consumers were also often falsely reassured that they could cancel their service at any time.
When an unsolicited caller tells you that something will be free, don’t believe it. It definitely won’t be! Comparing prices and purchasing something you need at your own pace is not what the scammers had in mind, so outsmart them!
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