[Earl]

Ok, so I just got a call and the caller ID said Patient Benefits with an 800 #. The lady on the phone said she wanted to talk to me about my mobility and the devices I use to help me. She then asked about what I use for mobility, and how it works for me. I told her and she asked if I would benefit from a power wheelchair.

She asked if I had private insurance or medicare, I said medicare and she asked me for my ht. wt. and then the golden question, what is my DOB and medicare number, which of course, is my social security number. I told her with the ID theft in the country I was not comfortable giving that information out to someone I don't know. I asked for her phone number so I could call her back, she gave me a number, and a website (www.lifestylemedical.net) she said she was in Miami and worked on eastern time zone.

My gut says not to give her any DOB or medicare information. Is my gut right?

I would not have a problem if she faxed me a form to fill out, but over the phone, it just smells rotten.

[Kitty]

I wouldn't give my personal information out to anyone who called me.

If you are truly interested in obtaining a power chair from these people I'm sure they have some paperwork they could mail or fax you to get you started.

I just don't trust anyone anymore.......especially someone who found me.

Good luck....and be careful!

[SallyC]

It may be OK, but you are right, to not give out any personal info over the phone..l

Check them out thoroughly, before signing up.

[FranksAngel]

my thought ... go with your gut feeling ... i have found that 9 out of 10 times my gut feelings are correct ... tell the lady to fax company info and a form to you ... something that allows you the company name, phone, address, ... check the company out ... then if your gut says yes ... send info ... if gut says no ... walk away

[charlie w]

[QUOTE=Earl;384622]
My gut says not to give her any DOB or medicare information. Is my gut right?

I would not have a problem if she faxed me a form to fill out, but over the phone, it just smells rotten.[/QUOTE)

Your probably right first instincts are usually the right ones, don't think I'd have even given said information via fax unless I started the conversation. Remember nobody gives anything away free w/out some sorta catch....

[SandyC]

My advice, don't do it. No matter what she tells you, you don't know if they are legit. You could however call the city the number is from and see if they are an actual company. The Chamber of Commerce should be able to help. You can check for the address on the internet by typing in reverse number lookup.

[Jomar]

Most likely they are just trying to make sales and hoping you'll give info out easily.
they may even "make" a sale on paper to bill your ins - but you might never see the chair.

I don't know if I'd even give the info on a fax unless I really verified the place/people are legit.

[KarenMarie]

always go with your gut reaction - never give out any info on the phone - if they want to sell you something, etc - they can send you the info in the mail and you can check on the company at your leisure not when you're feeling pressured on the phone - I agree with Jo55 -

[FinLady]

I never give out personal info over the phone, especially if I didn't initiate the call. I agree with getting actual forms and such.

[Twinkletoes]

Originally Posted by Earl

She asked if I had private insurance or medicare, I said medicare and she asked me for my ht. wt. and then the golden question, what is my DOB and medicare number, which of course, is my social security number.

My gut says not to give her any DOB or medicare information. Is my gut right?

She's gotta lot of nerve asking your weight! I'd give out my SS# before I'd divulge my weight, lol!!!


I checked out the website:

Q: Can I choose the color of my Lift Chair to match the interior of my house?"

A: Yes, the upholstery on the lift chair comes in a variety of colors and patterns you can choose to match the interior of your house.

Sheesh, Earl, how can you pass up a chair that matches your house?