In the end, they are anything but “free.”
Schmidt says senior citizens are getting phone calls from “John,” claiming to be with “Medical Alert,” and telling them they can get a free device. John says they should press one to confirm their shipping information.
Consumers who do that are connected with a live telemarketer who offers them the “free” device.
The operator then asks the victim for a credit card number to cover shipping costs and monitoring fees.
“These calls are nothing more than a ruse to get your personal financial information,” Schmidt said. “You should never have to pay money to get a ‘free’ product. We advise Kansans not to answer these calls, or if they do, be suspicious and do not give out any personal information.”
Schmidt said his office is investigating dozens of these calls. Consumers who have received such calls are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at www.ag.ks.gov or call 1-800-432-2310.