FBI warns fraudulent medical insurance targeting U.S. citizens

Photo courtesy of mutual.nb.ca

MIAMI – The FBI is sounding the alarm on medical insurance scams that are targeting U.S. citizens and bilking them out of the savings.

The federal agency said people have been receiving phone calls, texts and emails by fraudulent persons who promise to reduce their insurance rates.

However, they fail to do so, and some coverage was not legitimate.

Most people fall for the scheme of medical insurance discounts or better coverage for lower rates than what they are paying.

Several couples complained to the FBI that they were victims of the insurance scams by switching to the fraudulent affordable coverage.

But when they went to the hospital for treatment, doctors said the medical insurance didn't exist and they had to cover their own expenses out of their own pockets.

The couples called the companies to complain and were promised a refund, but they never received their reimbursements.

To protect people from insurance fraud, the FBI suggests several factors including making sure a company is licensed to operate in your state, contact the state insurance commissioner or the Better Business Bureau to make sure the companies are legitimate, and be cautious if a company asks for large upfront payments or pressuring you into making quick decisions.