Americans looking to save money on healthcare are being targeted by a growing scam that offers discounted medical insurance—but provides no actual coverage.

The FBI and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings about fraudulent offers that arrive through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails. Scammers claim to represent legitimate insurance providers or even government programs. They often promise limited-time deals, free services, or low-cost health plans to pressure people into signing up quickly.

Once enrolled, victims may discover that the plan covers nothing at all. In some cases, fraudsters also collect personal data—such as Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank information—which can be used for medical identity theft or unauthorized charges.

These scams prey on people searching for affordable healthcare options. According to the FBI, millions of dollars are lost each year to misleading or fraudulent health insurance offers. The FTC adds that scammers often impersonate federal agencies or established insurance companies to appear credible.

While exact figures for these specific scams are hard to pinpoint, medical identity theft remains a growing problem, affecting millions and contributing to costly billing fraud across the country.

• Verify the Plan: Check whether the insurance company is licensed in your state by contacting your state insurance commissioner.
• Talk to Your Doctors: Call your current healthcare providers to confirm they accept the plan before enrolling.
• Review the Policy: Never pay anything until you've received and reviewed the full policy documents. If documents aren’t provided, that’s a major red flag.
• Be Cautious with Personal Info: Don’t share Medicare, Social Security, or banking details with unknown or unverified sources.
• Avoid Pressure Tactics: Legitimate providers will give you time to make an informed decision. If you’re being pushed to act fast, it could be a scam.

If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your state insurance regulator. You can also contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

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