Phone Scam: Fake Office On Aging Calls

County of Maui logo. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui residents are being alerted of a telephone scam involving the offer of “free” medical supplies.

Authorities say the caller falsely identifies themselves in association with the County of Maui Office on Aging or other government agency, making claims that the recipient qualifies for free diabetes supplies.

Officials say the caller then asks for the resident’s age and social security number—information that could then be used for identity theft crimes.

So far, authorities have been alerted to at least two incidents on Maui.

County officials say that while the Office on Aging does ask for Social Security numbers, it is always in the context of assessing individuals for program eligibility only when community members initiate the request for services.

The Office on Aging will never actively call someone and ask for personal information without a request for assistance from a senior or family caregiver.

For individuals that are in need of free or low-cost medical supplies, they can contact their doctor directly, the Maui County Office on Aging, or other organizations that work with pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers–including the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.