A group of scammers are using the Affordable Care Act to try and dupe consumers into giving out information that can be used to steal their identities.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers claim to be from the government and say that under the ACA they need to verify some information.
For example, they might have the routing number of the person’s bank, and then use that information to get the person to reveal the entire account number. Other times, they have asked for credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, Medicare ID or other personal information.
The FTC, the nation’s consumer protection agency, is warning people against giving out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails or knocks on the door.
Scam artists want this information to commit identity theft, ring up bogus charges on someone’s credit cards, debit their checking account, open a new credit card, checking or savings account, write fraudulent checks or take out loans in the person’s name.
The FTC said if an unsolicited caller claims to be from the government and asks for personal information, consumers should hang up because it’s a scam. The government and other legitimate organizations already have the personal information they need and will not ask for it.
Consumers should also file a complaint at ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP. Anyone who thinks their identity has been stolen should visit the FTC’s identity theft website or call 1-877-ID-THEFT.
Citizens also can file a complaint with their state’s state attorney general or department of insurance.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said the Louisiana Department of Insurance will maintain its zero tolerance policy against insurance fraud and will investigate all complaints.
“Scam artists may make calls and claim to be with government agencies or health care insurers, and then request personal information such as social security numbers, bank account information, and credit card numbers,” Donelon said in a statement. “It’s unfortunate that scammers are trying to take advantage of an issue of such critical importance and deceive consumers.”
The ACA requires that all Americans above a certain income level purchase health insurance or face a penalty tax, but this requirement will not go into effect until 2014. If the salesperson or “agent” suggests that it is necessary to immediately purchase health insurance, this is a red flag.
There is no open enrollment period currently associated with the new health care law, so the Department of Insurance said people should be wary if a salesperson pressures them to buy the policy while claiming the price or option is only good for a short time.
Consumers can check with their state department of insurance before writing a check or signing a contract, to make sure the insurance company and agent are licensed. They should also carefully read the contract to make sure they understand the coverage and limitations of the policy.
