The staff of Lifeline, a personal emergency response service provided through Clearfield Hospital, has been alerted of a scam that is targeting senior citizens.
According to Philip Lifeline, the company that Clearfield Hospital contracts with, seniors from across the country have been receiving “robocalls” offering a “free” personal emergency response system. Those conducting the scam may either be claiming to be Lifeline, or are being mistaken by the general public for Lifeline.
Seniors should be aware that these offers are not legitimate, and that their only purpose is to obtain credit card information. The “free” equipment offered actually comes with a cost. The callers reportedly use high pressure sales. They won’t mail information and transfer calls once callers ask questions about the service.
The bottom line is if an offer sounds too good to be true it probably is, according to Ginny Johnson, local Lifeline representative.
Seniors who have received one of these calls, or who have noticed unusual charges on their credit card bill after receiving such a call, should contact the local police department and/or the state Attorney General’s office immediately. Seniors may also contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357. The local Lifeline number is 765-5341, ext. 2690.
Consumers are reminded they should never provide personal, credit card or bank account information over the phone.