Reports to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office suggest insurance-related schemes may be on the rise. Unscrupulous companies may use deceptive advertising to get consumers to unknowingly enroll in an insurance plan or reveal personal information.
In some cases, the insurance company may claim that the plan is “state-regulated” or that consumers can enroll for “just pennies a day” regardless of their medical condition. Other advertisements offer to pay “100 percent of all funeral expenses not paid by government funds, up to $50,000 (tax free).” Some offer “free” gifts in exchange for filling out and returning a mailed form. With all the promises out there, it can be difficult to know whether an offer is legitimate.
Ohioans who receive phone calls, letters, or emails from insurance companies advertising their services are encouraged to contact the
Ohio Department of Insurance to verify whether a company is legitimate before providing personal information. Ohio law requires all insurance agents operating in Ohio to register with the Department of Insurance.
AG DeWine offers the following tips for avoiding scams:
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Consider your specific medical needs before purchasing an insurance policy.
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Make sure you can afford the premiums before signing up for an insurance policy. If the premium is set to increase in the future, ensure those costs will be affordable, too.
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Before signing an insurance application, read it thoroughly and obtain answers to any questions you may have.
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Research the insurance company by checking complaints filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau.
If you suspect a scam or an unfair business practice, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office by visiting
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or calling 800-282-0515.