The consumer advocacy group issues a warning. - Fraudsters convince vulnerable individuals to enroll in subscriptions.
Scammers persuade seniors to purchase costly disposable goods as a recurring subscription. These products end up being paid for by care insurance funds, consequently by all contributors.
Daniela Hubloher, an expert on care from Hesse's consumer advice center, labels this situation as a "massive waste" on those contributing to care insurance funds.
Disposable Subscriptions: Scams Targeting Senior Citizens!
The law permits people in need of care to spend 40 euros a month on consumables like bed protection pads, disposable gloves, masks, and disinfectants. They can also claim reimbursement from the care insurance fund for these items.
To avail this benefit, an individual needs to have a care level (level 0 is enough) and be cared for at home. Also, no prescription from a doctor or insurance company consent is necessary. This loophole provides scammers with a perfect opportunity to trick falsely.
Fake Approval: Criminal Companies Prey on Vulnerable Seniors!
Unethical businesses deceive people in need of care by contacting them through phone calls, emails, or even visits at their homes. The vulnerable victims receive the products but often without requiring them.
More appalling: According to the consumer advice center, the signatures on these subscription contracts are forged. How do these companies obtain the affected people's data? This question confuses Hubloher.
Criminals take advantage of the misery and helplessness of many elderly and sick individuals "Sadly, fraudsters target senior citizens and people with disabilities or their relatives, who are already stressed out and exploit their vulnerable situation for their gain," comments Sandra Scheuring, spokesperson for DAK-Gesundheit in Hesse. Other health and long-term care insurance companies have also reported similar occurrences.
Police Have Yet to Receive Reports of Care Scams
The Hessian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has not received any reports regarding these scams. The LKA is unsure whether the described situations constitute fraud: the purchasable service is indeed provided.
Nonetheless, the question remains if the recipients actually need the products they've been sold in such large quantities by the contributors. [#]
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Source: symclub.org
