FBI warns of surging medical insurance scams

WXIN/WTTV -- The FBI is sending out a strong warning about a surge in low-cost medical insurance scams.




According to the warning, scammers are making millions by targeting Americans who are looking for low-cost health insurance plans. The crooks are tricking people into signing up for healthcare plans that look like affordable options, but they don't actually provide any insurance. 




The public notice says the crooks are contacting victims through unsolicited phone calls, texts and emails. They may claim to be from an established insurance company with a limited-time offer to make it seem urgent.  




Victims in several states have reported financial losses, denied claims and unauthorized charges.  The state of Washington recently shut down a company that promised affordable healthcare coverage that didn't really cover anything. 




In Pennsylvania, a couple bought a discounted plan only to find after an ER visit that none of their expenses were covered. A Texas man got stuck with a $7,000 hospital bill because his fake insurance plan didn't cover a dime from his visit.




To protect against such fraud, the FBI recommends the following:

• Verify the legitimacy of the insurance provider with your state's insurance department or the Better Business Bureau.





• Consult your healthcare providers to confirm that they accept the proposed insurance plan.





• Demand policy documentation and thoroughly review the fine print.





• Avoid upfront payments, especially if accompanied by high-pressure sales tactics.





• Research independently, and remember: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The FBI continues to investigate these fraudulent schemes and encourages anyone who suspects they may be a victim to report the incident to their state insurance regulator or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.



via: https://fox59.com/news/fbi-warns-of-surging-medical-insurance-scams/