Life Alert phone scam

Old Hipster

Old Hipster

Senior Member
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We got one of these calls last night. It's not from Life Alert! so beware. I know we all are careful, but it doesn't hurt to spread the word.

http://www.lifealert.com/fraudalert.aspx

Fraud Alert
It has come to our attention that senior citizens nationwide are receiving pre-recorded messages from medical alert imposters claiming to be Life Alert. These are unauthorized, unsolicited, recorded calls that invite you to push the #1 number on your phone to connect to a live sales person.

The recordings sound like a real person claiming that either “someone has purchased a Life Alert system for you”, or that “You qualify for a free Life Alert.” Other calls may say they are calling from a shipping department to confirm a free order or to send upgraded Life Alert equipment. These calls are not made by Life Alert. All of these are telemarketing scammers trying to mislead and defraud consumers by using our trademarked name so they can get your address, credit card number and bank information to charge you.

We would like to remind you that Life Alert does not employ telemarketers or perform cold calls so if you do receive a recorded call saying they are Life Alert or the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” people, please DO NOT press the #1 button to talk to a sales person.
More importantly never give your personal information or credit card number over the phone to anyone which you did not initiate the call.

Life Alert Emergency Response is investigating this nationwide telemarketing scam and is currently working with the authorities.
If you have any question or concerns in regards to this matter, please send an email to wecare@lifealert.com.
Thank you,
Life Alert
 

This crap always seems to come out around Xmas to catch the seniors kids attention to buy it for Mom/Dad for xmas.

Best advice is to just DELETE it.
 
Davey Jones said:
This crap always seems to come out around Xmas to catch the seniors kids attention to buy it for Mom/Dad for xmas.

Best advice is to just DELETE it.
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Oh for sure, I am worried about old ladies like my mom, she might think I got it for her as a surprise and push 1.
 

My husband said he got the same call from life alert, and he hung up figuring it was a scam. Thanks for the info Old Hipster, good to spread the word!
 
Mom said that scam has been going on for quite awhile, but it doesn't hurt to keep up on things.

It happened to my 85 year old mom a few months ago: she fell and smacked into her washing machine and broke a rib, she had to drag herself to the kitchen and then managed to get herself up off of the floor. She doesn't have a personal alarm, but she is finally going to be getting one. (I hope)
 
The scammers are probably getting more business than the legit operators.

I tried to get that alert thing going when I was wobbling badly.
I tried 3 different providers from the phone listings. 2 answered, one went to a message bank. Both of those who answered gave me a few basic bits of info and told me that an 'expert' advisor would contact me to discuss details. 2 weeks later I phoned 'em again. Only one answered this time. Still no details but they at least forwarded some forms to sign my left arm away on. They have to be kidding! Not only expensive, twice as much as the non phone answerers, but a relatively massive 'relocation' charge when I move. The forms are turning yellow.

I have one of those little siren things that deafen all life within a 100 metres when you pull the pin on it. I'll wear that around my neck when I move and neighbours and assistance are closer.
I can guarantee it'll bring a crowd a lot quicker and with less costs and mucking about than the 'Life Alert' mob are offering.
 
Diwundrin said:
The scammers are probably getting more business than the legit operators.

I tried to get that alert thing going when I was wobbling badly.
I tried 3 different providers from the phone listings. 2 answered, one went to a message bank. Both of those who answered gave me a few basic bits of info and told me that an 'expert' advisor would contact me to discuss details. 2 weeks later I phoned 'em again. Only one answered this time. Still no details but they at least forwarded some forms to sign my left arm away on. They have to be kidding! Not only expensive, twice as much as the non phone answerers, but a relatively massive 'relocation' charge when I move. The forms are turning yellow.

I have one of those little siren things that deafen all life within a 100 metres when you pull the pin on it. I'll wear that around my neck when I move and neighbours and assistance are closer.
I can guarantee it'll bring a crowd a lot quicker and with less costs and mucking about than the 'Life Alert' mob are offering.
Click to expand...

That's a great thing to have, I've mentioned that to my mom before too. She needs something!
 
SifuPhil said:
That's why I always wear a Navy-surplus flare gun on my hip ...

That way even deaf people can come to my aid.
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It would be better if you "sign" to the deaf person what you need.

left hand...open palm
right hand..make a fist and place that fist on the left open palm.
when done,raise both from the chest upward with the left thumb extended.(like a hitchhiking)

 
Davey Jones said:
It would be better if you "sign" to the deaf person what you need.

left hand...open palm
right hand..make a fist and place that fist on the left open palm.
when done,raise both from the chest upward with the left thumb extended.(like a hitchhiking)
Click to expand...

That's cool. I always wanted to learn how to sign something other than the dirty words. ;)

But it would be a useless ability if I were inside my house or in the middle of the woods, hence the flare gun.

Don't worry, I've spent many hours figuring this all out. :rolleyes:

Now, as for my plan for being trapped in a zeppelin full of cranky monkeys over the South Pole ...
 

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