Is that health insurance offer a scam? How to enroll safely
Health insurance scams peak during the ACA (Affordable Care Act) open enrollment period (November to January in the US) and around major life events when people are actively searching for coverage. Fraudulent 'brokers' cold-call or use online ads to intercept people searching for health coverage, enroll them in plans using fabricated information, and redirect government subsidies to themselves — leaving victims enrolled in coverage they didn't choose or not enrolled at all.
A related attack uses your Social Security Number and income information to enroll you without your knowledge: the broker collects the premium tax credit subsidy on your behalf and pockets it. Victims discover the fraud when they file taxes and find that health coverage was claimed in their name.
Predatory short-term health plans are a parallel problem: misleadingly marketed as 'ACA-equivalent' coverage, they often exclude pre-existing conditions, have very high deductibles, and don't count as qualifying coverage for tax purposes.
🚩 Red flags to watch for
- ▶Cold contact from a 'broker' about health insurance outside of open enrollment, or via unsolicited call/text/Facebook ad.
- ▶A request for your Social Security Number, income information, or household size very early in the conversation, before any quotes are provided.
- ▶The broker cannot provide a National Producer Number (NPN) — all licensed insurance agents in the US have one, verifiable at nipr.com.
- ▶A plan that seems significantly cheaper than comparable ACA plans for the same coverage level.
- ▶Pressure to 'enroll today' before you've had time to review the plan documents.
✅ What to do
- 1Use healthcare.gov (or your state's official marketplace) directly to compare and enroll in ACA plans — you can also find certified navigators and licensed brokers through the official site.
- 2Verify any broker's licence by asking for their National Producer Number (NPN) and checking it at nipr.com.
- 3Never provide your SSN to a broker until you've verified their credentials and reviewed a specific plan you want to enroll in.
- 4If you suspect unauthorised enrollment in your name, contact healthcare.gov immediately and file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner.
📣 Where to report (by country)
🇺🇸 United States
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Action Fraud
- Police Scotland — call 101
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇦 Canada
🌍 Everywhere else
- Contact your local police and your bank immediately
- If money was sent, ask your bank about a recall request — act within hours
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Common questions
What is a Health Insurance Marketplace Navigator?
Navigators are trained, certified individuals funded by federal grants to help people enroll in ACA plans at no cost. They are not brokers and earn no commission. Find a local navigator at localhelp.healthcare.gov — they are a safe, free alternative to private brokers.
How do I know if someone enrolled in a plan in my name without my knowledge?
Check your enrollment status at healthcare.gov. If you find a plan you didn't choose or enroll in, report it to the marketplace and to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov). Also check your tax returns — if health coverage is reflected that you didn't enroll in, this is a sign of fraud.