SCAM ALERT: “Free back braces” costing Medicare seniors thousands

Sorry, but the stranger on the other end of the phone isn’t actually concerned about your pain levels.

They’re just scammers.

Telemarketers are calling senior citizens inquiring about their bodily discomforts. If they get an affirmative response, medical devices like knee braces, back braces, and/or shoulder supports etc. are sent to the senior’s home and billed to Medicare.

The Dispatch reports it’s the biggest scam plaguing Ohioans according to the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol program.

Here’s a video Ohio SMP published about the scam:

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The Dispatch also reports one central Ohio woman was caught up in the fraud and was sent $3,800 worth of medical supplies.

Only $1,200 was able to be returned to Medicare.

Ohio SMP warns people to beware of ads for “Free knee or back braces” in postcards, TV ads, and/or phone calls.

Also beware of mail marked “Urgent” and claiming “eligibility.”

But above all, do not reply to any of these suspicious messages.

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