Life alert scams are just the beginning

Yeah, I get them too.

Those robocalls trying to convince me that I’ve won a free life alert system. For a while I actually listened to them, because I wanted to know what people are hearing all across America.

Now I just hang up.

It’s despicable that people try to scam older people with these life alert scams, but it’s just the beginning.

This article (http://health.heraldtribune.com/2014/12/02/frauds-take-advantage-vulnerable-elderly/) lists countless frauds that the writer’s parents have been subject to, as well as others that she’s heard about.

Now, fraud usually means you’re paying money for something but you’re not getting what you bought.

But there’s a gray area with life alert systems. This happens when you get what you ordered, but you paid too much for your life alert system and you got locked into a contract that’s not in your best interests.

Is that fraud?

Nope.

But a a consumer considering a purchase of a life alert system, you need to be aware that some life alert companies are happy to take as much of your money as you’re willing to give them, even if you don’t realize there are much cheaper options.

Buyer beware.

Oh, and here’s a tip to share with anyone in your life who might be a victim of a scam:

Never give money to anyone who calls you on the telephone.

Seriously. If someone is calling YOU to ask for money, they need you more than you need them. Hang up the phone and you won’t get yourself in trouble.