TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - WTXL has discovered what appears to be a scam targeting those in our community with diabetes.
The sign WTXL spotted is very simple with just a few words and a number. WTXL learned that the organization behind this cash offer is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and there's strong reason to believe this is a scam.
The lawn sign is posted at the corner of Old Bainbridge Road and 4th Avenue with a phone number. We called that number and spoke to a man who went by the name "Carl."
He explained that he worked for "Diabetic Care Group," offering anywhere from $15 to $40 for unopened, unexpired test strips.
We searched that company in the better business bureau and found a match in Pennsylvania, but the number posted didn't work.
WTXL also contacted "Diabetes Care Group," based in Mississippi. That company sent us a statement, clarifying it is not the group associated with the solicitation.
Below is the full statement from Diabetes Care Group:
'Diabetes Care Group is not connected to the organization referring to itself as “Diabetic Care Group” on lawn signs throughout the Tallahassee area and does not solicit cash for diabetes test strips or any other products or services.
'Diabetes Care Group is led by a respected and qualified clinical team that treats patients with diabetes and metabolic diseases in conjunction with primary care physicians. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and an erroneous association with a company using a similar name.'
Meanwhile, here in Tallahassee, Bond Community Health Center says test strips need to be purchased from a reliable source.
"Those are something that your doctor usually would prescribe for you, so I really think that you should get those from your provider," said Ebonie Allen with the center. "If you're thinking about getting testing strips, you really want to speak with a medical professional first, just to make sure that you're going about it the right way and not getting a product that you can't use."
WTXL called "Carl" again to clarify what services were being offered, but we got to an automated voice message for "Diabetic Care Group."
