{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-medical-alert-device-free-medicare-harvest-scam","label":"Fake medical alert device free Medicare harvest scam — free medical alert/fall detection/diabetic supplies/brace \"covered by Medicare\" + must provide Medicare ID number or date of birth + targets seniors for identity theft and fraudulent insurance billing","description":"Medicare/Medicaid identity harvesting scam targeting seniors with offers of free medical devices — personal emergency response systems (PERS/life alert buttons), fall detection devices, diabetic testing supplies (glucose meters, test strips), orthopedic braces, or CPAP equipment — claimed to be \"100% covered\" or \"fully paid for\" by Medicare/Medicaid at zero cost. To \"verify eligibility\" or \"ship the device,\" the victim must provide their Medicare beneficiary identifier (MBI), Medicaid insurance ID, date of birth, and/or supplemental insurance details. This information is used for Medicare fraud (billing for services never rendered) and identity theft. Key facts: (1) The Medicare fraud division (HHS OIG) lists this as one of the most common scams targeting beneficiaries; (2) Legitimate durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers require a physician prescription, not just an ID number; (3) Medicare never contacts beneficiaries unsolicited to offer free equipment; (4) Providing your Medicare number to scammers can result in fraudulent claims being filed in your name, exhausting your benefits. Warning signs: \"free device\" framing, request for Medicare/Medicaid ID number or date of birth, sender domain is not medicare.gov or cms.hhs.gov, no physician referral mentioned.","tier":"danger","category":"phishing","isThin":false}}