BBB warns seniors of medical alert phone scam

The Better Business Bureau is warning senior citizens about a phone scam promising them a free medical alert system.

The agency says the automated calls claim that someone has ordered the senior a medical alert system to help protect them in case of medical emergencies or break-ins. The message then asks them to press a button to speak to a customer service representative. The fake “representative” then asks for the seniors' credit card and personal information.

The Better Business Bureau says it's received complaints from concerned seniors in recent weeks and the scams appear to target the elderly and disabled.

It recommends that seniors hang up the phone immediately without speaking or pushing any buttons. Seniors should never give credit card information or a social security number over the telephone.