Avoiding Medical Equipment Scams

Online shopping is becoming more popular because of the convenience of getting whatever is desired with few clicks. The pandemic skyrocketed consumer reliance on online shopping for almost everything. However, consumers lose millions of dollars through scammers online.

As sellers continually add new ways to buy and pay online, scammers are finding new ways of robbing people of their hard-earned money. But how do you spot and avoid medical equipment scams? Read on and learn more.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams

The regularity of the ads on social media platforms and the brand website’s professional appearance makes it hard for many consumers to spot scammers. However, there is an adage that says when the deal is too good, think twice. Some websites post insanely low prices for medical devices, an amount that is extremely lower than the market price. To avoid being scammed when buying medical equipment, here are a few tips.

Start by Studying the Seller’s Website

While searching for the equipment you need online is easy, don’t forget to research the company first. Check online reviews to see what other customers say about the company’s reputation and products. Also, study the seller’s website. Here are some red flags to look for:

•  Cost of the item: check if the product’s price is too good to be true compared to other similar items online. For instance, it’s a red flag if you see a mobility scooter at a steep discount and you don’t see a similar price cut anywhere else.
• How old is the website? While not all new websites are scams, you should be aware of recently launched dates, or missing launch dates on websites.
• Does the brand’s website offer any contact method? Before placing an order for medical equipment, check if the website provides a phone number, address, or email address. You can even call to confirm their existence. Though these can be faked, a website that lacks contact information should raise red flags.
• Website’s information clarity: How thorough is the brand’s website? Start by looking for the privacy policy and terms and conditions page. Also, check the “about us” section to learn more about the company. If the information is sparse, poorly written, or looks like it’s for a different company, it should send alarm bells.

Still Unsure?

As much as online customer reviews are helpful when researching for a genuine medical equipment seller, some may highlight only the glowing customer reviews. For a better understanding of the store’s reputation, look for reviews elsewhere, such as on Google or Yelp. What else can you do to verify a company’s reputation? Try to search on the Better Business Bureau website or do a direct google search of the company with the word safe website checker.

Before placing an order, you can also verify if you are buying from the manufacturer or a reseller. If it’s a reseller, look to see if it’s authorized to sell medical equipment. Review their practices and cross-check them for any red flags. Still wanting to learn more about spotting and avoiding medical equipment scams?

Watch our YouTube video.

You Can Trust All-Star Medical

All-Star Medical is an authorized retail store located in Tennessee for medical equipment and products. Both our locations in Hermitage, TN, and Franklin, TN, carry a wide variety of mobility scooters, lift chairs, power wheelchairs, vehicle lifts, wheelchair ramps, and various other home medical supplies. You can trust All Star Medical as an authorized and reliable retail store. Visit our store today or browse our wide selection online.