Elderly targeted in health care con

Telemarketers used intimidation in medical device scam

Investigators are warning of a telemarketing scam where con artists used intimidation as a tool to get what they wanted. At the heart of the scheme was a medical alert device with thousands of victims targeted and millions of dollars lost.

"They got scared after a while. They wanted to stop being contacted, so I think they just  figured, 'Let me pay this,'" explained U.S. Postal Inspector Michelle Purnavel, adding that is how thousands of elderly consumers felt after being intimidated into buying a device called the Instant Response System.

The telemarketers would contact them and try to sell them the medical alert device, which is worn as a pendant around your neck. If you happen to fall or get injured, the Instant Response System pendant would trigger a calling center, which in turn would call police or family. The cost was around $470.

"Some of these elderly individuals did not choose to purchase the pendant, however, they ended up receiving the pendant in the mail," said Purnavel.

Victims said telemarketers called every day and threatened them with legal action.

"They would tell them, 'We have recordings of you agreeing to go into this contract and you now owe us $300 or $500,' depending on the contract," Purnavel explained.

Inspectors said the elderly victims were often bullied into giving their bank information over the phone.

"They figured, 'Let me pay the money and get it over with,'" added Purnavel.

In all, there were 2,000 victims with almost $2 million in losses.

"We all have parents, we all have elderly family members, and it's sad to see these people are targeted, and unfortunately the elderly people give in and end up sending money," said Purnavel.

The Federal Trade Commission shut the company involved down and argued the company's practices violated federal law, including the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. But the FTC warns there are more telemarketing scams out there and it's important to look out for red flags

The  FTC says if you hear a line that sounds like the following, say "no thank you," and hang up:

  • You've been specially selected (for this offer).
  • You'll get a free bonus if you buy our product.
  • You've won one of five valuable prizes.
  • You've won big money in a foreign lottery.
  • This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere else.
  • You have to make up your mind right away.
  • You trust me, right?
  • You don't need to check our company with anyone.
  • We'll just put the shipping and handling charges on your credit card.


Are you a victim of fraud? You can file a complaint here with the FTC.
Register a phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry here.