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Medical alert scammers targeting Virginia’s elderly

Posted at 11:43 AM, Jul 01, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-01 18:06:54-04

Scam artists posing as employees with a medical alert company similar to Life Alert are targeting Virginia's elderly population, according to a release from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Cuccinelli's offices says the scammers pose as representatives of a medical alert company claiming to need your credit or debit card number and home address, so you can receive a free medical alert device.

The AG's office says the caller claims that the device is free, but says there is a monitoring fee for the service, giving the scammers access to personal and financial information.

A release said the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section has received several inquiries from consumers who were suspicious after receiving such calls.

"If you receive a call from a stranger and you did not order a medical device-or any other product for that matter-- hang up immediately," Cuccinelli said.

If you have been targeted by this scam, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-552-9963.