AG warns consumers of health care scams

*Consumer Alert*

(Phoenix, Ariz. - April 9) Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizona residents to be cautious of door-to-door and telephone scam artists peddling phony insurance policies in an effort to capitalize on the new federal health care law and defraud consumers.

Some scam artists have attempted to make dishonest profits by urging consumers to obtain coverage in a non-existent “limited enrollment” period that they falsely claim was made possible by the new legislation.  Arizona law requires companies and their agents to be licensed to market or sell insurance.

“These attempts by scam artists to dupe people into buying phony health insurance will be prosecuted,” Goddard stated. “I urge every Arizonan who is approached by someone who represents that their insurance policies are required by the new health care law to report such persons to our office.”

The Attorney General offers the following tips regarding door-to-door
sales:
● Get the address and phone number of the company and the
credentials of the sales representative before making a purchase.
● Do not be rushed into a decision, no matter how attractive the
deal sounds.
● Be cautious of sales people who suggest they are affiliated with
the government.
● Do not let a stranger into your home. Talk outside or through a
security screen door.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General's Web site.