'Free' Medical Brace / Equipment (DME) Fraud
Robocalls and ads offer 'free' braces or medical equipment 'covered by Medicare' to harvest your Medicare number and bill for equipment you don't need.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Seniors are told they qualify for a free back, knee, or wrist brace (or other durable medical equipment) at no cost through Medicare. The pitch harvests your Medicare number and pressures a 'doctor' (who never sees you) to authorize equipment, which is billed to Medicare at high prices. You may receive cheap or unneeded braces, owe denied costs, and have your coverage misused. Real DME requires your treating doctor's determination of medical need.
What it usually looks like
- A robocall/ad offering a 'free' brace or equipment via Medicare.
- A request for your Medicare number to 'qualify.'
- Authorization by a doctor who never examined you.
- Cheap or unnecessary equipment shipped to you.
Common warning signs
- 'Free' braces/equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.
- Equipment offered without your own doctor's involvement.
- High-pressure robocalls.
- Pressure to confirm your Medicare card details.
Example wording scammers use
“Medicare-approved back brace at no cost to you — just verify your Medicare number to ship it today.”
“You qualify for a free knee brace; our doctor will authorize it.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your Medicare Number.
- To bill Medicare for unnecessary equipment.
- Your personal data.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Never give your Medicare number for 'free' equipment offers.
- Get equipment only through your own doctor.
- Guard your Medicare Number.
- Check your Medicare statements for DME you didn't need.
What to do if you already responded
- Report to 1-800-MEDICARE and HHS-OIG.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notices.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.