Scam: Medical Alert System Purchased Just For You, As A Gift
Arlington Heights police have alerted seniors and their families to a newer scam. Seniors may receive an automated call from an agency claiming a medical alert system was purchased for them by an unknown party. They ask the potential victim for banking and other personal information to register the system. Some callers will offer the senior thousands of dollars in grocery certificates along with a free medical alert bracelet.
The offenders are just trying to gain the person's banking and personal information to gain access to their accounts or possible to open new accounts.
NEVER provide your bank account information, Medicare number, Social Security number or any other personal information to someone over the phone.
ALWAYS be wary of anyone offering you something for "free" in exchange for your information.
HOW YOU CAN BE EXTRA VULNERABLE TO THIS SCAM ...
When scammers mention the name of the gifter, they will eventually hit on a victim where that name might seem credible. For example, you just hung up with your son named Glen. Coincidentally, the scammer says the gifter's name is Glen. At random they will eventually hit on a victim that has just talked to a "Glen" that is family or a family friend. If your life is really busy, there is a chance your defenses will be down with the sound of the familiar name. Maybe the real "Glen" and the victim just had a conversation about medical alerts. Normally victims would be sharp enough to detect the scam, but it only takes seconds to slip. With scammers trying thousands of victims, they eventually hit on a victim that slips.
Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Read complete article on Arlingtoncardinal.com ...
http://www.arlingtoncardinal.com/?s=Scam:+Medical+Alert+System+Purchased+Just+For+You,+As+A+Gift
medical alert gift scam, gift scam, phishing, telephone fraud, scam Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Police Department
The offenders are just trying to gain the person's banking and personal information to gain access to their accounts or possible to open new accounts.
NEVER provide your bank account information, Medicare number, Social Security number or any other personal information to someone over the phone.
ALWAYS be wary of anyone offering you something for "free" in exchange for your information.
HOW YOU CAN BE EXTRA VULNERABLE TO THIS SCAM ...
When scammers mention the name of the gifter, they will eventually hit on a victim where that name might seem credible. For example, you just hung up with your son named Glen. Coincidentally, the scammer says the gifter's name is Glen. At random they will eventually hit on a victim that has just talked to a "Glen" that is family or a family friend. If your life is really busy, there is a chance your defenses will be down with the sound of the familiar name. Maybe the real "Glen" and the victim just had a conversation about medical alerts. Normally victims would be sharp enough to detect the scam, but it only takes seconds to slip. With scammers trying thousands of victims, they eventually hit on a victim that slips.
Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Read complete article on Arlingtoncardinal.com ...
http://www.arlingtoncardinal.com/?s=Scam:+Medical+Alert+System+Purchased+Just+For+You,+As+A+Gift
medical alert gift scam, gift scam, phishing, telephone fraud, scam Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Police Department