Is a medical equipment discount offer by phone a scam?
Often yes, especially in the US. Medicare and health insurance fraud involving unsolicited calls offering free or discounted equipment is widespread.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Fraudsters contact people — particularly older adults on Medicare — claiming they are eligible for free or heavily discounted medical equipment such as braces, CPAP machines, or glucose monitors. They ask for Medicare, insurance, or payment details to 'process the claim'. In reality, they either bill government health programmes for equipment never delivered, sell the personal details, or both. Legitimate medical suppliers do not cold-call patients. Equipment is prescribed by a doctor and arranged through verified suppliers, not via an unsolicited phone offer. Never give Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance details to an inbound caller you did not contact first.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call offering free or discounted medical equipment
- Request for Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance details over the phone
- Claim you are automatically eligible without a doctor's referral
- Pressure to act quickly before an offer expires
- Caller claims to represent a government health programme
What to do now
- Hang up and do not provide any insurance or Medicare details
- Report the call to the HHS OIG hotline (1-800-HHS-TIPS in the US)
- Check your Medicare Summary Notice for unauthorised billings
- Alert your doctor if you are concerned about your real equipment needs
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether my Medicare account has been used fraudulently?
Review your Medicare Summary Notice, which lists all claims submitted under your number. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to report suspicious activity or request a claims history.