The Senior Citizen Protection Manual
| Terry Goddard, attorney general | |
| Arizona Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection & Advocacy Section Consumer Information & Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 |
602.542.5763 - Phoenix 520.628.6504 - Tucson 800.352.8431 - In-state toll free 602.542.2124 - Elder Help Line website: www.azag.gov |
- Message from Attorney General Terry Goddard
- Telemarketing
- Sweepstakes
- Fraudulent Charities
- Estate Planning
- Investing, Securities and Insurance
- Real Property Transactions
- Home Improvement and Repair
- Travel Clubs
- Door-to-door Sales
- The Internet
- Dental Care
- Health Care Scams
- Hearing Aids
- Home Health Care
Terry Goddard
Senior citizens comprise a large and very important part of Arizona's population. One of my foremost goals as Attorney General is to improve the quality of life of Arizona's seniors through enforcement of our white collar crime and consumer fraud laws. We successfully prosecute many civil and criminal cases against fraud perpetrators and scam artists, but one of the most important things we can do to prevent these cases from occurring is to educate members of the community on how to avoid becoming a victim.
We have developed a program in our office that focuses solely on senior citizens. The Elder Affairs Program provides education and training to our senior citizens, their families, law enforcement officials and care providers, among others. Our goals are (1) to decrease the number of victims through education, (2) to make sure that those who do become victims know how to seek help, and (3) to support civil and criminal enforcement actions taken against those who target seniors. You may reach the Elder Help Line at 602.542.2124.
This manual is part of our effort to educate seniors to help them
avoid becoming victims. It contains brief descriptions of the most
commonly known scams and provides names and numbers of agencies that
can help. Please keep it in a handy place, use it often, and protect
yourself.
Very truly yours,
Terry Goddard
Attorney General
Telemarketing is a booming business across the country. Some companies that sell items over the phone are legitimate, but many are not. Unfortunately, we cannot tell whether a company is legitimate or not by how friendly the caller's voice sounds or by how often the company calls. The unscrupulous companies often talk people into purchasing something and sending a check or money order to the company. Once the money has been sent, the consumer never receives the purchased item, never gets any money back, and never hears from the company again. Telemarketing companies set up "boiler rooms" that house multiple phone lines and equipment that allow the company to rapidly call many phone numbers. Many of the callers are trained under the theory that the longer they keep a person on the phone talking, the better their chance of making a sale.
To protect yourself, watch out for these "red flags" and protect yourself. If you need any help, contact one of the resources listed.
Red Flags
- The caller says you must make your decision immediately.
- The caller says the offer has been made only to a limited number
of people.
- The caller refuses to send written information.
- The caller asks for bank account, credit card or social security
information.
- The caller asks you to wire money.
- The caller says someone will come by to personally pick up a check.
Protect Yourself
- Hang up! Don't be afraid to be rude.
- Ask the caller to place you on the company's do-not-call list.
- Screen calls - let the answering machine pick up calls from unknown
parties. Most telemarketers will not leave messages. If a telemarketer
does leave a message, you don't have to call back.
- Do not give out bank, credit card or social security information.
- Do not agree to let someone come pick up a check or other form
of payment.
- If a deal sounds good, ask the company for more information in writing. A reputable company will be happy to oblige.
| Resources | |
| Telephone Preference Service Direct Marketing Association P.O. Box 9014 Farmingdale, New York 11735-9014 (Write them to ask that your name be removed from the call lists of all companies that are members of the Direct Marketing Association.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
| Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
SWEEPSTAKES
Sweepstakes are a common marketing mechanism. Companies sell products and magazine subscriptions through the mail and combine those sales promotions with sweepstakes entry opportunities. Many of the solicitations make it look like a consumer will have a better chance of winning a big prize if he or she purchases something from the company. As a result, many people purchase large quantities of things they do not need. They hope that these purchases will increase their chance of winning. The fact is that a purchase is never required. It is illegal for companies to require a purchase to win or to improve the chances of winning. It is also illegal for companies to give purchasing customers any advantage over non-purchasing entrants in a sweepstakes contest.
To protect yourself, watch out for these "red flags" and protect yourself. If you need any help, contact one of the resources listed.
Red Flags
- The solicitation was sent at the bulk mail postage rate but claims
to be "urgent" or "priority mail."
- The solicitation suggests that you have won or are very close
to winning.
- The solicitation suggests that your chances of winning will be
better if you purchase something.
- The sweepstakes offer refers to your purchase history.
- The solicitation requests that you purchase or appears to require
that you purchase a coupon book or an "entitlement" (these are often
sold for $20 or more, but contain coupons worth only a few cents).
- The solicitation promises that the company cares about you and is your friend.
Protect Yourself
- Throw it away!
- Write the companies directly and ask to be removed from their
mailing lists.
- Remember that your odds of winning a big prize are extremely unlikely.
- Always read the fine print before signing anything or sending
money! If you don't understand it, think twice before buying.
- Be wary of requests to call 900 phone numbers - these calls can
be very expensive.
- Remember that no purchase is necessary to enter or win a sweepstakes
- ever.
- Do not give out bank, credit card or social security information.
| Resources | |
| Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association P.O. Box 9008 Farmingdale, New York 11735-9008 (Write them to ask that your name be removed from the mailing lists of all companies that are members of the Direct Marketing Association.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
FRAUDULENT CHARITIES
Most people enjoy contributing to charitable causes, either through financial donations or volunteering their time. We are all grateful for the many ways charities help others. Unfortunately though, not all charities help people. A number of so-called "charities" do a lot of fundraising, but very little of that money is actually spent on charitable causes. We must all be careful to make sure that when we contribute money to a good cause the money is actually used as we intend. Charitable giving is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged, but it must be done with care.
Red Flags
- Charities with sound-alike names - many less reputable organizations
have names that are very similar to highly reputable charities.
Look for word substitutions such as "foundation" rather than "society"
or "United" rather than "American."
- Fundraisers using high-pressure tactics and urging you to act
immediately.
- Fundraiser appeals based on emotion rather than facts.
- Fundraisers emphasizing the charity's tax exempt status. Tax exempt
status reflects only on the organization's tax paying obligations,
not on how worthy or well managed it is.
- Fundraisers refusing to send written information.
- Fundraisers promising to pick up a check personally.
- Fundraisers thanking you for a previous pledge you don't remember making or sending you an invoice for a pledge you don't remember making.
Protect Yourself
- Research the organization. Ask for annual reports and other written
information about the charity's programs and how its money is spent.
- Review information carefully - make sure you are giving to the
charity you think you are giving to.
- Ask the fundraiser if he or she is a volunteer or a professional
fundraiser. If he or she is a professional fundraiser, ask how much
he or she will keep of the donations collected.
- Set a budget for your yearly giving and stick to it - this will
help you resist high-pressure solicitors.
- Check with the Arizona Secretary of State to make sure the charity
is registered.
- Do not give money to people you do not know or whose credentials
you have not researched.
- Do not give in to high-pressure sales techniques - look instead for a more reputable charity to contribute to.
| Resources | |
| Better Business Bureau Charitable Advisory Service 602.264.2864 (Phoenix) 877.291.6222 (Toll-free) www.phoenix.bbb.org/charitymenu.html (Reviews charities and can provide information on the charity's background, its mission, and its financial posture - including the percentage of total income that is spent on programs.) |
Secretary of State Business Services 1700 West Washington, Seventh Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.6670 (Phoenix) 800.458.5842 (In-state toll free) www.sosaz.com (Can report whether a charity is registered in Arizona. This is not a guarantee that a charity is worthy or legitimate.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
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ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning fraud is one of the more common types of fraud perpetrated on seniors. Often seniors are contacted by salespeople urging them to take advantage of great tax savings and avoid probate by signing estate planning documents such as "living trusts" or to reap other benefits by signing new wills or trusts. Such documents must be customized to individual people. What might be a valuable planning tool for one person will be worthless to others. In some instances, the use of improper documents leads to greatly increased tax costs on an estate. The best estate planning services are tailored to an individual, taking into account the size of the person's estate, the kinds of assets in the estate, the number of heirs, what the individual wants to accomplish and many other factors. Many high pressure salespeople in this industry use inexpensive one-size-fits-all documents obtained from office supply stores and then charge their customers thousands of dollars for the document. Giving advice on trusts and preparing trusts is the practice of law. Having a trust drawn up by a non-lawyer may leave a consumer with no recourse if it turns out a mistake was made.
Red Flags
- The salesperson uses a hard sell approach and says you must act
immediately.
- The salesperson tells tales of devastating financial impact (such
as high taxes and high probate costs) if you do not act.
- The salesperson discourages you from contacting a lawyer or accountant.
- The salesperson makes promises that sound too good to be true.
Protect Yourself
- Take your time to make important decisions.
- Research the credentials of the salesperson.
- Consult with a lawyer before signing anything.
- Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
| Resources | |
| State Bar of Arizona 111 West Monroe, 18th Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1742 602.252.4808 www.azbar.org (Can tell you whether a lawyer is licensed in Arizona.) |
Maricopa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral 602.257.4434 (Phoenix) 520.623.4625 (Tucson) 602.267.1921 (TDD Number) (Can refer you to a Maricopa County lawyer who practices in the area of estate planning.) |
Arizona Department of Insurance 2910 North 44th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85018-7256 602.912.8400 (Phoenix) 520.628.6371 (Tucson) 800.325.2548 (In-state toll free) www.state.az.us/id |
Elder Law Hotline 800.231.5441 (Can give you guidance on legal matters affecting senior citizens.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
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INVESTING, SECURITIES AND INSURANCE
Most of us try to save and invest our hard-earned money wisely. Unfortunately, swindlers come up with new scams every week. Some of these scams promise certain and immediate wealth. Others offer insurance policies and other products that sound too good to be true. The Arizona Corporation Commission has extensive educational material on investing wisely and the Department of Insurance has material on insurance. See the Resources section below for more information.
Red Flags
- Investment and securities salespeople who make unsolicited visits
to your home.
- Salespeople who promise fantastic, too-good-to-be-true, quick
returns on your money.
- Salespeople using high-pressure sales tactics and urging you to
make decisions now because it will be too late to invest tomorrow.
- Salespeople providing little or no written information about the
company or its past performance.
- Salespeople recommending investments on the basis of rumors, tips,
or supposed "inside information."
- Salespeople who ask for banking, credit card and social security number information.
Protect Yourself
- Ask the seller to give you written information about the investment,
including financial statements, and read it.
- Get competent help in evaluating your investments from a banker,
lawyer, accountant, licensed stockbroker, licensed real estate agent,
the Better Business Bureau or a knowledgeable member of your family.
- Contact your Arizona government agencies, such as the Corporation
Commission and the Department of Insurance, for information on the
seller and the product.
- If you are considering investing in a security, make sure the
security is registered and the seller is licensed.
- If you are considering purchasing an insurance policy, make sure
the agent and the underwriter are licensed.
- Deal with established businesses with solid reputations. Get references
from friends and family who have had positive experiences.
- Do not give out bank account, credit card or social security number information.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Corporation Commission Securities Division 1200 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.4242 (Between 8 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.) www.cc.state.az.us (Can verify whether the investment is registered for public sale in Arizona and if the salespersons are properly licensed.) |
Arizona Department of Insurance 2910 North 44th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85018-7256 602.912.8400 (Phoenix) 520.628.6371 (Tucson) 800.325.2548 (In-state toll free) www.state.az.us/id (Can verify whether an agent or an underwriter is licensed.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
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Fraud involving real estate continues to be a problem in Arizona. The Arizona Real Estate Department can provide valuable information to Arizonans who are considering buying or selling property. Problems we are seeing right now include unscrupulous people offering to "list" homes (meaning offer them for sale), but instead of providing listing agreement documents they have the homeowner sign quitclaim deeds or sales contracts. The result is that the victim unintentionally sells or gives his house to the scam artist. The scam artist often benefits personally. Other times, someone offers to purchase a house, but unbeknownst to the homeowner, the purchase documents require the homeowner to carry the financing and provide little or no recourse if the purchaser does not make his payments.
Red Flags
- The person offering to list or buy your home urges you to sign
documents immediately.
- The person offering to list or buy your home discourages you from
consulting with others.
- The person offering to list or buy your home promises that you
will avoid paying commissions, escrow fees or closing costs.
- The person offering to list or buy your home promises you will
receive a discount on commissions, escrow fees or closing costs.
- The person offering to list or buy your home wants to speak to
you alone.
- The person offering to list or buy your home is particularly interested
in the fact that you own your home free and clear.
- The person offering to list or buy your home presents you with a document or contract that contains blank spaces that are not filled in.
Protect Yourself
- Check with the Arizona Real Estate Department to see if you are
dealing with a licensed real estate agent and whether the agent
has a disciplinary record.
- Consult with a lawyer, other adviser or a knowledgeable family
member before signing anything.
- Read everything carefully. If you don't understand something,
ask questions.
- Use an established escrow company to handle your transaction.
- Do not sign contracts or documents that have any blank spaces.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Real Estate Department 2910 North 44th Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.468.1414 (Phoenix) 400 W. Congress, Suite 523 Tucson, AZ 85701 520.628.6940 (Tucson) www.re.state.az.us |
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Even if you are accustomed to doing most of your own home repair, you will, at some point, have to hire a contractor to work on large repairs. Many excellent contractors work in Arizona, however, there are some home repair workers and businesses that are out to take your money. Contractors who do work and charge more than $750.00 are required to be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. It takes only a little bit of time to do the research necessary to protect yourself.
Red Flags
- Repair people dropping by and saying "we just happen to be working
in your neighborhood and have time to fix your house" or "we have
been working in your neighborhood and have leftover supplies we'd
like to use up."
- Repair people who offer to do a "free" safety inspection of your
home.
- Repair people who demand payment in cash only.
- Repair people who are unable or unwilling to provide references.
- Repair people who take a "quick look" and then say you need a
major repair.
- Repair people who can't provide a local address or telephone number for their company.
Protect Yourself
- Ask for the contractor's license number and call the Registrar
of Contractors for information.
- Use companies that provide free estimates. Get several estimates
for every repair job and compare prices and terms.
- Ask your friends for recommendations or ask the firm for references.
Check references.
- Check the identification of all workmen and inspectors. Make sure
they are employed by the company/contractor you hired.
- Arrange to make payments in installments and pay the last installment
only after the job is completed to your satisfaction.
- Always get a receipt.
- Call the Registrar of Contractors if you are not satisfied with work or if the contractor is not responding you your requests to fix something.
| Resources | |
| Registrar of Contractors 800 West Washington, 6th Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2940 602.542.1525 (Phoenix) 888.271.9286 (In-state toll free) 602.542.1588 (TDD) www.azroc.gov (They can provide information on license status, previous complaints and the company's bond. The Registrar of Contractors can also tell you the name of the license holder, the type of the license, the name of the person qualifying for the license, when the license was issued, and other important information.) |
Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
A number of companies target seniors and appeal to them to purchase travel club memberships. The initial solicitation is often by telephone. Solicitors tell consumers they have won a free prize or a free trip and that they can collect it by attending a presentation where travel club memberships are sold. Often the membership fees are very expensive, the prize is virtually worthless or uncollectible, and the membership privileges are not worth the cost of joining.
Red Flags
- The solicitor says you must hurry or that this is your last chance
to decide.
- The solicitor describes the details of the membership very broadly
and will not provide a contract for your review until after you
have signed something.
- Membership benefits sound too good to be true.
- The company appears to have no permanent address. One indication of this is when all presentations or meetings are held in rented conference rooms.
Protect Yourself
- Ask for a copy of the contract before attending the presentation.
- Research the company and ask for references.
- Get detailed information on trip costs. Look for hidden fees.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
Door-to-door sales can be a convenient method for many people to shop. However, door-to-door sales can be a problem. At times, your purchases may not ever arrive at your home and some door-to-door salespeople may be difficult to find once they have taken your money. Arizona and federal laws provide for a "cooling off" period which allows consumers to cancel certain contracts within three days of signing them. The rule is very limited and applies only to certain types of door-to-door sales.
Red Flags
- Free gifts that depend on the purchase of another product or a
package deal involving a sales presentation and an expensive or
long-term commitment.
- Salespeople who say they are taking a survey or that you have
just won a prize.
- Salespeople who use high-pressure sales tactics and don't want to give you time to make up your mind.
- Salespeople who drop by unannounced, claiming you made the appointment.
- Salespeople who suggest that they are affiliated with the government.
Protect Yourself
- Do not let a stranger into your home - talk outside or through
a security screen door. If you want the salesperson to come back
for a more extensive presentation, make sure a friend or family
member is with you in your home.
- Get information such as the address and phone number of the company
and the credentials of the sales representative before making a
purchase.
- Consider whether you really need what is being sold. Keep in mind
the limits of your budget.
- Remember that installment payment plans usually charge high interest
rates.
- Remember that the flashy, impressive-looking product the salesperson
has may actually be inferior to those sold in stores.
- Do not make an immediate purchase decision no matter how attractive
the deal seems. Take time to compare the price of the salesperson's
product with the price of the same product at a local store.
- Remember that you have no obligation to meet with a salesperson. Declining a meeting is not rude.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
Senior citizens comprise one of the fastest growing segments of the population that uses the Internet. The Internet and electronic mail have brought information to our fingertips and given people an easy way to stay in touch with loved ones. The new technologies, however, create concerns. We must all remember that the Internet facilitates the same old crimes utilizing a new tool, such as investment scams and health care scams. We must also remember to protect our personal information and privacy when using the Internet.
Red Flags
- Internet resources that only allow access if you reveal personal
information.
- Internet websites and unsolicited emails promising ways to get
rich quick.
- Internet websites and unsolicited emails promising miracle cures.
- Internet sellers that only accept money orders or certified checks
as means of payment.
- Internet sellers that ask for your debit card as payment (consumer
protection laws regarding debit cards are not as strong as those
regarding credit cards).
- Internet websites offering mail-order prescriptions. Often medications
are shipped from foreign countries and do not comply with the federal
Food and Drug Administration standards. Additionally, Internet prescription
services often lack the oversight of a medical doctor.
- Web sites that offer gambling on the Internet. Not only will you never know who won, you may get scammed out of your money and the gambling activity itself may be illegal.
Protect Yourself
- Just because a company has an Internet site does not mean it is
legitimate. A web site that is up one day could be gone tomorrow.
- Make sure your grandchildren know how to use the Internet safely.
- Take great caution when purchasing items on the Internet. Get
references from family and friends about good online stores and
services.
- Only use secure servers to process payment.
- Use your credit card, not your debit card, when you purchase
merchandise over the Internet. Your credit card comes equipped with
protections that your debit card doesn't have.
- Review the privacy policies of web pages you visit and subscribe
to.
- Be aware of the risks posed regarding Internet auction sites.
Most Internet auction sites bear no responsibility if you purchase
an item, pay for it and either never receive it or receive an item
of substandard quality.
- If you choose to purchase something through an Internet auction,
research the auctioneer very carefully.
- Do not open unsolicited email advertisements, even just to ask to be deleted from a mailing list. Delete the message before opening it.
| Resources | |
| GetNetWise www.getnetwise.org |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
| Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
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Everyone requires the services of a dentist. Seniors often need extensive and expensive dental care either on their natural teeth or through the fitting of dentures or dental implants. Choosing a qualified dentist is crucial and can save you unnecessary expenses and suffering. Unscrupulous dentists may try to take advantage of seniors by luring them in with discount prices or misrepresenting that extensive dental work is necessary.
Red Flags
- "Dental Clubs" that require a lump sum, up-front payment in exchange
for "unlimited" dental services. The practice may go out of business
before you are able to get your dental services or you may receive
treatment only to be told that the particular treatment is in addition
to what you have paid for and that you are required to pay an additional
charge.
- Clinics that offer "discount" dentures. Obtaining quality dentures
and services should be your goal. Remember that "you get what you
pay for."
- Clinics that charge you for denture adjustments. A dentist must
provide you with dentures that fit and function properly. Any adjustments
should be included in the price of the dentures.
- Clinics where you are never seen by an actual dentist. Although
a certified denturist may fashion and fit dentures, he or she must
be supervised by a dentist who does the initial examination and
checks the completed denture for fit and function.
- A dentist who determines that you need extensive dental treatment and pressures you to consent to and sign a treatment plan on the first visit.
Protect Yourself
- Always call the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners to inquire about
a dentist prior to making any appointments.
- Seek a second opinion when extensive or major dental work is diagnosed.
Do not sign and consent to a plan without thoroughly reviewing it
and verifying that the work actually needs to be done.
- Call the Board of Dental Examiners if you are having trouble getting
in to see your dentist or if problems result from dental procedures.
- If you are getting dental implants call the Board of Dental Examiners
to verify that the dentist you have chosen is qualified to do the
procedure. Dental implantation is a highly specialized procedure
and requires proper training.
- File a complaint with the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners if you feel you received inadequate treatment. The Board has the authority to order restitution if the dentist is found to have provided inadequate dental care.
| Resources | |
| Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners 5060 North 19th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85015 602.242.1492 (Phoenix) (The agency can tell you about a dentist's complaint history, the status of a dentist's license, where the dentist went to school, and how long the dentist has been licensed.) |
Arizona Dental Association 3193 N. Drinkwater Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 480.344.5777 www.azda.org email: azda@azda.org (The ADA can refer you to a qualified dentist and has a peer review program to evaluate quality of care complaints against dentists who are members of the Arizona Dental Association.) |
There are no miracle cures or drugs that grow hair, guarantee weight loss or eradicate cancer. There are scam artists, however, who prey on consumers' fears of illness and hopes for recovery. In the worst cases, consumers ignore the advice of their own doctors and rely on fraudulent health care products and services. Other consumers compromise the effectiveness of their doctors' treatments by relying solely on fraudulent or unproven products and services. Aside from wasting their money, some of these consumers become sicker or die. It's best to continue receiving medical care from your health care practitioner, who can give you information about alternative treatments.
Red Flags
- Companies that sell products or services that are "guaranteed"
to cure a disease.
- Direct mail, Internet or "infomercial" ads for miracle cures and
devices.
- Ads for nutritional therapy techniques that have not been proven.
- Promises of a secret formula or special treatment that only the
advertiser can provide.
- Ads containing testimonials by people with no medical expertise.
- Ads that promote self-diagnostic treatments.
- Ads claiming that the cure is something your doctor and/or the government don't want you to know about.
Protect Yourself
- Talk to and be honest with your doctor about any treatment you
are considering.
- Take your time in considering an offer.
- Research the product or service before making a decision.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Board of Medical Examiners 9545 East Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-5539 480.551.2700 (Phoenix area) 877.255.2212 (Toll free) www.bomex.org (Can tell you whether a medical doctor is licensed in Arizona as well as provide information about any discipline history.) |
Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery 9535 East Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 480.657.7703 (Phoenix area) www.azosteoboard.org (Can tell you whether an osteopathic doctor is licensed in Arizona as well as provide information about any discipline history.) |
| US Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, Maryland 20857 888.463.6332 (Toll Free) www.fda.gov |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
| Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
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Some companies offer free hearing tests and promise discount hearing aids, but often they in fact provide low-quality, ill-fitting and improperly operating devices. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that all consumers who are considering the purchase of a hearing aid be evaluated by a physician before purchasing a device. Your doctor can refer you to a licensed, qualified audiologist to perform hearing tests. Arizona's Department of Health Services licenses both audiologists and hearing aid dispensers.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited calls or ads offering "free" hearing tests. The cost
of the test is usually built into the cost of the hearing aid, so
in fact is not "free" at all.
- Unprofessional hearing testing. A qualified audiologist will administer
a series of tests rather than one quick test.
- Warnings that the cost of the hearing aid is about to increase and that a consumer must act immediately to get the lower price.
Protect Yourself
- Consult with your doctor and ask him or her for a referral to
a audiologist for hearing testing if you are having problems hearing.
- Contact the Department of Health Services to confirm that the
person conducting the hearing test is a licensed audiologist and
that the company selling the hearing aids is a licensed hearing
aid dispenser. Also find out how long the licenses have been held
and whether any disciplinary action has been taken against the licensees.
- Take your time to consider your options - do not rush into anything!
- Do your research. Find out how long a hearing aid company has
been in business in Arizona, whether the company is registered with
the Better Business Bureau and, if so, whether any complaints have
been filed against the company with the Better Business Bureau.
- Leave the hearing test if it is done in an unprofessional manner. If you decide to purchase hearing aids and the fitting session is physically uncomfortable or causes any pain, leave.
- Read the contract and warranty information carefully. Understand where the aid must be sent for service or repair as well as the costs associated with any service or repair.
| Resources | |
| Department of Health Services 1647 East Morten Phoenix, Arizona 85020 602.674.4340 www.azdhs.gov |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
| Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
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HOME HEALTH CARE
Three types of organizations provide medical care to patients in their own homes: home health agencies, hospice organizations and private duty (individual or agency). Home health agencies provide skilled nursing care and at least one of the following: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical social work or home health aide services, for a specific duration and frequency of time under a physician's direction. Hospices offer medical, health-related and personal care services to terminally ill patients. Private duty workers and agencies may give home care aide services or skilled nursing services only and are not always under the direction of a physician.
Hospices and home care agencies are regulated by state law and licensed or certified by Medicare. Both hospices and home care agencies are required to fingerprint and conduct background checks on their staffs, have a nurse on staff, hire only trained, certified nursing assistants and ensure that their staffs have negative tuberculosis tests. Hospices and home care agencies are surveyed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Individuals who provide private duty services are not regulated in Arizona and do not have to meet the same requirements. Although there are many reputable private agencies that operate as both private duty and home health care agencies, there are fewer protections for consumers who hire their own home care providers without physician orders. Most hospital discharge plans and physician referrals are to home health care agencies and/or hospices if Medicare coverage is involved.
Protect Yourself- Use care when looking for private duty medical or personal care
services through newspaper or Internet ads.
- Avoid hiring someone to provide medical or personal care through unlicensed, unregulated agencies unless they conduct a thorough background check or otherwise check the credentials and references of the person(s) who will be providing the care in your home.
| Resources | |
| Arizona Association for Home Care 2334 S. McClintock Drive Tempe, AZ 85282 480.967.2624 .800.367.0399 (Can provide literature about home care services.) |
Arizona Attorney General Consumer Information and Complaints 1275 West Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.542.5763 (Phoenix) 520.628.6504 (Tucson) 800.352.8431 (In-state toll free) 602.542.2124 (Elder Help Line) www.azag.gov (Write, call or visit the website to obtain consumer education material or to submit a complaint.) |
| Better Business Bureau Complaint Department 4428 North 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 602.264.1721 (Phoenix) 520.888.5353 (Tucson) www.phoenix.bbb.org |
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