State AG, DIFS remind consumers to watch out for callers claiming to be from health departments

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert in partnership with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), warning Michiganders to beware of health care scammers — this time, claiming to be a representative from the “U.S. Department of Health Insurance Plans for Citizens” offering health insurance plans at a discount.
  
Last month, Nessel warned of scammers claiming to be from state or local health departments as well as vaccination clinics, asking for personal information.

"Bad actors continue to take advantage of this pandemic by any means possible," Nessel said. "Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from state, local, or federal health departments offering discounted health insurance.  The latest scam uses President Biden’s new healthcare policy in an effort to obtain your personal information like a social security number or Medicare number.” 

Resident who receive an unsolicited call from someone saying they represent a local, state or federal agency,  should be skeptical and trust their instincts.  

Nessel says hang up if they claim to be from a government agency and: 

  • Offer a new medical plan enrollment by asking for your current insurance information. 
  • Make threats (like that your existing coverage will be cancelled) or rush you to make a decision.
  • Attempt to obtain banking information from.

These types of scams often contact residents through a robocall. Because many reputable companies use telemarketing to conduct business using live-call telemarketers or automated robocalls, criminals will also use this method in an effort to steal personal or banking information. 

DIFS regulates the insurance and financial services industries in Michigan, and operates the Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) dedicated to the prevention of criminal and fraudulent activities in the insurance and financial services markets. Consumers can report suspected insurance fraud, including suspected health insurance fraud scams, to the FIU on the DIFS website.

“The current Marketplace special enrollment period, which is open until August 15, is an important opportunity for Michiganders to get comprehensive and affordable health insurance, but criminals are ramping up their efforts to confuse and scam consumers,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said. “It is critical that Michiganders get the information and health coverage they need while protecting themselves from fraud and identity theft. Always verify the identity and legitimacy of a caller and never give out your personal information over the phone.”

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, anyone concerned that a call from a local health department may be a scam should write down the name and number of the person who called , then reach out to the local health department to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

In terms of COVID-related messages, calls from the state contact tracing team will come from 866-806-3447 or MI COVID HELP.