Question:
winning surgery
i won a free lapband surgery. was told id probley have to pay taxes on it. was told if i say "donated medical service" it would change. the company i won from is based in nevada but the surgen and "prize" are in mexico. any one here know anything?? please email me at [email protected] — q E. (posted on September 22, 2004)
September 22, 2004
Run dont walk from this offer...NO, I repeat NOOOOOOO reputable health
establishment would give this for a prize. It is LIFE ALTERERING
SURGERY.....Big hug.
— Kathy S.
September 22, 2004
This has got to be a scam, no reputable doctor or center would give away
surgery and services. I would go out of state for surgery but not to a
third world country.
— ChristineB
September 22, 2004
I've never heard of this, but please go to
http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/forum/topics.aspx?m=1&sb=25 and
ask these ladies what they think. There are SEVERAL that have had their
surgery in Mexico.
— Helen M.
September 22, 2004
Can you share with us who was running the contest? I would get as many
names and numbers as you can, and call the Better Business Bureau in your
area and find out what's up. Sounds a little like those "free
weekends" at a resort, when it's a sales presentation for
something.<br>
I hope like crazy this is not the case, but you get what you pay for,
right?
— kultgirl
September 23, 2004
Hi, I'm not 100% sure, but I'd say this is a SCAM!!!!! My line of work
involves investigating fraud, (identity theft and credit card fraud). And
this definately sounds like fraud, they probably want to obtain as much
personal info on you, and probably going to ask that you charge the payment
for taxes on a credit card so you'll get hit with a double whammy. 1.
Identity theft 2. They capture you credit card# and put fraudulent charges
on it in addition to the "taxes". You did good by asking for
advice, my best advice is go with your gut, if something feels wrong it
probably is. Good luck. :o)
— vllgmz4
September 23, 2004
I'm with Estela. Don't give them any info. I am a Security Vice President
of an International Company based in DC. Your "win" has all of
the ear marks of a scam and an attempt at indentity theft. You need to
follow up and report this to your State Atty General and FBI. I would also
advise the FTC and Secret Service. The Secret Service investigates and
deals with inernational email wire fraud. Even if you recieve free medical
care - you don't have to pay taxes on it as long as it is medically
necessary. The company may say it's based in Nevada, but it could be a just
a "mail drop". Haveing a US address doesn't mean they are legit
either. Best wishes, Maggie B.
— M B.
September 23, 2004
I saw that BeLighter.com was running this contest, and congrats on winning
it! Assuming this is not a scam, it could be a great opportunity for you.
I know several people online who have had Dr. Rumbaut do their surgeries
with great results. I agree w/Helen, to go the Band board on
spotlighthealth.com and ask this question ..
— Jeanie
September 23, 2004
The radio station here that I listen to in DFW area gave away 2 lapband
procedures in the last year. It was a promotional thing for the surgery
center. So, it does happen, just PLEASE research this place before you
give them any information.. If all is on the up and up, WAY TO GO!!!
Congrats!! :) Just do your homework...Hugs!!!
— Sothrnbel3
September 23, 2004
I've always heard that if you need to shell out money to get your
"prize", then it's a scam. Good luck though... I hope it's true
and that they're not just trying to get your money!
— mom2jtx3
September 23, 2004
Please be careful with such "prizes". I had heard from some of
our own patients in Cincinnati that they heard that we were giving away
free surgery. Although I always say that I would perform surgery even if
they didn't pay me, the hospitals would not stand for it. They are the
major reason surgery requires prior insurance approval.
Even if it turned out to be a "real" offer having surgery in
mexico may negate any insurance coverage for follow up or potential
complications.
— selwynca
September 23, 2004
Although I would not choose a band for myself, I woud have no hesitation in
alowing Dr Rumbaut do do my surgery. He is a caring compassionate man who
actually IS one of us. He has done many people in our area (before it was
legal in the USA) and they are lifetime devotees of him. In the times that
I have met him, he's as enthusiastic as he was in the beginning and really
cares about his people and their outcomes.
— vitalady
September 23, 2004
Please check with an accountant or tax attorney.
In general, however, "prizes," whether they are lotteries or
contests or free cars from Oprah, count as income and are taxes as such in
the United States.
— Kasey
September 23, 2004
Sorry, that should read are TAXED as such.
— Kasey
September 24, 2004
A "prize" of surgery raises serious ethical concerns. Surgery
happens when a doctor and patient reach an agreement, after a careful
consultation, that surgery is the only alternative to deal with their
problem. A relationship based on trust should develop before surgery and
continue afterwards. The surgeon is obligated ethically (and by rules if
he is a Fellow of the American Colalge of Sugeons, FACS)to continue the
care until recovery. A raffle, lotetry, or whatever completely negates all
these components. The possible "scam" issues are simply another
reason that this just seems wrong.
— DrL
Click Here to Return