Fake Medical Equipment Scams via Email
How fraudulent medical equipment emails promote deeply discounted or free devices that turn out to be counterfeit, non-functional, or never delivered.
Part of: Fake Medical Equipment Scams
Last reviewed: 9 June 2026
Medical equipment email scams reach people at moments of high motivation — patients recently diagnosed with conditions requiring equipment, caregivers searching for affordable aids, or Medicare beneficiaries who have heard that certain equipment may be covered. Email is an effective vector because it can present product photography, clinical-sounding descriptions, and urgent promotional offers in a format that resembles the legitimate online medical supply emails many consumers actually receive.
The harm from these emails falls into two categories: direct financial loss when equipment is paid for but never arrives or is worthless, and physical harm risk when a counterfeit device is delivered and relied upon for a clinical purpose. The second category includes oxygen concentrators, nebulisers, glucose monitors, and hearing aids — devices where performance matters for health outcomes.
This guide covers how to identify fraudulent medical equipment emails and where to source devices safely.
How this scam works on email
An email promotes a well-known medical device at a significant discount compared to retail prices, citing a clearance sale, a manufacturer programme, or a government subsidy scheme. The product images are convincing, often copied from the genuine manufacturer's website.
A link leads to a checkout page that requests payment by card or bank transfer. In some campaigns, the email specifically targets Medicare beneficiaries by claiming the device is covered and that the recipient pays only a small co-pay, with the remainder billed to Medicare. The co-pay is collected, Medicare is billed fraudulently, and the device either does not arrive or is a non-compliant substitute.
Some campaigns add a medical endorsement element — a vague reference to doctors or hospitals that use the product — to increase credibility. Clicking the link may also install tracking software or expose the device to a credential-harvesting form before any product page is shown.
Common red flags
- Email price is significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the same device
- Email claims the device is 'covered by Medicare' with only a small co-pay required
- Payment by bank transfer rather than a secure card transaction on a verified merchant
- Email sender domain is unrelated to the device manufacturer or a recognised medical supplier
- No physical address or phone number for the supplier in the email or on the linked site
- Device photos in the email are high-quality professional shots rather than photos of actual stock
How to protect yourself
- Purchase medical equipment only from licensed medical suppliers, pharmacies, or directly from the manufacturer
- Verify that any Medicare-covered device claim is accurate by calling 1-800-MEDICARE before providing any information
- Research the supplier name combined with 'reviews' or 'complaints' before purchasing
- If a device is genuinely needed, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a vetted supplier
- Report any suspected Medicare equipment fraud to the HHS OIG immediately
How to report it
- Report Medicare equipment fraud to the HHS OIG at 1-800-HHS-TIPS
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report counterfeit medical devices to the FDA MedWatch program
- If card payment was made, contact your card provider to dispute the charge
Frequently asked questions
Can Medicare really cover a medical device I read about in an email?
Medicare does cover certain durable medical equipment, but coverage is determined by your diagnosis and is arranged through your doctor and an approved supplier — not through an unsolicited email offer. Always verify any equipment benefit by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
How do I find a safe online source for medical equipment?
Use suppliers accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) or The Joint Commission, or purchase directly from the device manufacturer. Your doctor or pharmacist can also recommend verified suppliers.