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

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.