Attorney General Dana Nessel warns consumers of medical brace scams
LANSING, Mich. – Attorney General Dana Nessel is cautioning consumers about the rise in medical brace scams targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly seniors. The warning comes after Nessel’s office received reports of seniors receiving unnecessary medical supplies and being billed for them.
In one reported incident, a woman received a fraudulent call from an individual claiming to be her doctor, even using a Spectrum Health ID for credibility. Upon investigation, Nessel’s office traced the call back to the Med Leaf Supply company.
As a result, Nessel took swift action and reached an agreement with the company, effectively putting a stop to their operations within Michigan. However, she emphasizes the need to alert others who might have fallen victim to similar scams orchestrated by different operators.
Addressing the prevalence of such scams, Nessel stated, The scam of mailing or prescribing unneeded durable medical equipment costs Medicare tens of millions of dollars every year, sometimes disqualifying patients for these devices when they really need them.
To combat this growing issue, the Attorney General sought advice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General on appropriate actions to take in such situations. This collaborative effort aims to protect consumers and ensure that those genuinely in need of medical equipment receive it without any hindrances or fraudulent activity.
Nessel’s firm stance on this matter reinforces her commitment to safeguarding the interests of Michigan residents. While only one confirmed case of targeting has been reported thus far, it remains crucial to alert potential victims and raise awareness about the modus operandi of these scammers.
It is essential for individuals to exercise caution when dealing with incoming calls or unsolicited offers for medical supplies. Verifying the legitimacy of the source and consulting appropriate healthcare professionals are advisable steps to mitigate the risk of falling prey to these scams.
By taking proactive measures and spreading awareness about medical brace scams, Attorney General Dana Nessel hopes to protect Michigan’s residents, especially vulnerable populations such as seniors, from financial exploitation and unnecessary burdens associated with fraudulent medical supply companies.
The Attorney General’s efforts, combined with the collaboration between various agencies, aim to put an end to these scams and ensure the well-being of the community. Nonetheless, vigilance on the part of consumers remains key in preventing future incidents and safeguarding against potential losses.
Michigan residents who suspect any fraudulent activity or have fallen victim to medical brace scams are encouraged to report such incidents to the Attorney General’s office. Through collective action, it is possible to combat these scams and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system while safeguarding the interests of consumers.
