FTC sends checks to people who were charged for Lifewatch Medical Alert Systems
The FTC is sending a second round of checks to people who paid for supposedly free in-home medical alert devices. The money comes from a settlement with Lifewatch, Inc.
The FTC and the Florida Attorney General’s Office sued Lifewatch, alleging that the company bombarded people with at least a billion robocalls to pitch supposedly “free” medical alert systems. These pre-recorded messages claimed that Lifewatch’s medical alert system was endorsed or recommended by reputable organizations like the American Heart Association. In addition, the company’s telemarketers often told consumers that a medical alert system had been purchased for them, and they could receive it “at no cost whatsoever.” The lawsuit alleged that these claims were false and misleading. Consumers eventually learned that they were responsible for monthly monitoring fees and that it was difficult to cancel without paying a penalty.
The FTC first sent checks in December 2021, which resulted in $699,195 in refunds. Because money still remains in the fund, the FTC is sending additional payments totaling more than $1.04 million to 27,809 people who cashed their first payment.
If you receive a check, please cash it within 90 days.
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