Diabetic Supply Scam Alert

Most Americans have found that the media is inundated with offers online, on television, and through the mail offering diabetic testing supplies free. Releases from the US Department of Health and Human Services indicate that many of these offers are scams. This diabetic supply scam alert has been issued to prevent compromising personal information or fraud of reimbursement programs.

Many of the commercial offers of "free diabetic testing supplies" result in the harvesting of personal, financial, and insurance information. Willing participants, already burdened by high medical costs and the nature of their condition, fall prey to these offers and in many cases do not receive the offered products. The offer of free products is compelling, especially in return for only sharing a small amount of information.

What has been found regarding these diabetic supply scams is that individuals are either not receiving goods or are receiving unrequested products. During the process, personal and financial information is compromised putting the individual's identity at risk. As an extra measure, these companies are billing insurance and Medicare for supplies that may have not been received, or even requested.

To continue in an effort to educate and support the already complicated healthcare industry, we ask that persons with diabetes be mindful of sources offering free diabetic supplies and turn to trusted sources for support. The Department of Health and Human Services has requested that any questionable offers be phoned in to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).