Quincy businessman shares what can happen following a scam call
By Debra Moore
When Quincy resident Susan Christensen received a suspicious call from a woman claiming to be from an orthopedic clinic, she declined to provide any information and the caller hung up. But what if Christensen had answered the caller’s questions? What would have happened? What was the goal of the caller?
According to Todd Bullock, owner of Sierra Prosthetics and Orthotics, she probably would have received a back brace or knee brace in the mail. When he read of Christensen’s situation, he contacted Plumas News to share the likely outcome.
Bullock provides such equipment through his business, but following a doctor’s referral and meeting with the patient to ensure that the device fits their body. “Part of our job is to make sure everything fits,” he said. “You take measurements and figure out people’s needs.” He added that there are different types of braces and one is selected that best fit’s the individual’s needs.
But that’s not happens when one of these fraudulent companies sends a brace. Bullock has seen many patients who have received the suspect medical equipment and many said they didn’t even order it — it just showed up. “If they can get enough information, they just ship it,” Bullock said. Once it has been shipped and received, the company has a record and bills Medicare.
Often the recipients simply throw the devices away because there is no way to return them. They might not think anything more about it until the time arises when they do need a brace, and Medicare declines the payment because a device was already purchased for that individual.
In the case where individuals listen to the call and actually order the device, Bullock said that they are disappointed. “They mail these cheap braces and people have paid good money for them.” Prices can range from $120 to $1,000.
Bullock, like Christensen wants individuals to be aware of these scam phone calls and not share any personal information.
Bullock’s business is based in Grass Valley, but he has recently opened a branch in East Quincy. He can be reached at 530-477-1004 or 530-205-5155.
