There has been a "pronounced uptick" in medical device manufacturers attempting to manipulate seniors into providing their medical information in exchange for free equipment, James Quiggle, the director of communications at the Coalition against Insurance Fraud, told The Los Angeles Times.
Schemes involving durable medical equipment such as back braces often target seniors, urging them to call a telephone number and provide their Medicare number in order to get free equipment. In fact, the company is often using that information to fraudulently bill the government for unnecessary equipment. Fraud prevention experts have urged seniors not to give out their Medicare number, especially over the phone and during an unsolicited call. Additionally, seniors should be suspicious of any company offering equipment without a doctor's examination. Article