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Senior Citizens Targeted in Phone Scam

Posted at 2:22 PM, Nov 21, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-21 14:32:17-05

450px-Modern_telephoneWEST MICHIGAN – A scam that offers free medical alarm systems is targeting senior citizens around the Midwest – including in West Michigan.

The automated phone calls prompt those targeted into giving their credit card and financial information and claim to be connected to legitimate companies that offer safety monitoring systems.

Senior citizens are being warned to be cautious about phone calls telling them that they have won a free medical alert system or that someone in their family has signed them up and it has already been paid for.

Police say that the scam call is being made to confirm the shipment details. Even though the robo-call tells the target that the charge for the device has already been paid for, they’re told that they are required to pay for the handling fees and the initial monthly charge. This is when they are asked to give up their credit card and financial information.

Legitimate companies that are known for selling these medical alarm systems have already posted alerts to their Website and most say that they do not make automated phone calls.