Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true to guard against insurance fraud

Which of the following are best practices that customers should follow to help protect them against fraud? (Choose 3)

• A. Be wary of product promotions that seem too good to be true.
• B. Report suspicious insurance related calls to the Illinois Department of Insurance.
• C. Protect their SSN by only providing it to certified brokers/assisters.
• D. Provide personal information over the telephone if the offer is appealing.

Answer: (A)

Being wary of product promotions that seem too good to be true is an essential best practice in protecting against fraud. Many fraudulent schemes often lure individuals in with offers that appear excessively beneficial, such as significantly lower premiums or unmatched coverage plans. By maintaining a skeptical outlook towards promotions that sound unrealistic, individuals can avoid falling victim to scams that may result in financial losses or identity theft. The other options, while providing some level of protection, do not fully encapsulate crucial preventive measures against fraud. Reporting suspicious calls is certainly important for raising awareness and potentially preventing others from being victimized; however, it does not actively protect the individual at that moment. Similarly, protecting one’s Social Security Number by limiting its disclosure to trusted certified brokers or assisters is important, but it is still a reactive approach since the potential risk has already initiated. Lastly, providing personal information over the telephone is counterproductive to fraud prevention and should be avoided, as it increases vulnerability to scams. By adopting a cautious mindset regarding promotions, individuals can better safeguard themselves against the risks associated with fraudulent activities.

Fraud often wears a friendly smile. When you’re looking into health coverage options with Get Covered Illinois, that smile can come from slick promos, quick promises, or a voice on the phone saying they’ve got “the perfect deal.” The problem is, many of those deals aren’t real or they’re designed to skim money and personal details right from under you. So, what are the solid moves you can rely on to stay safe while you’re exploring plans and benefits? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense in the real world — not just on a test, but in your daily online searches and conversations.

Spotting the red flags: promotions that seem too good to be true

Here’s the thing about deals that look incredible: they usually are too good to be true. If someone promises rock-bottom premiums, unbelievable add-ons, or instant approval with zero questions, pause. Seriously, take a breath before you click “accept.” Fraudsters love to lean on the fear of missing out, the pressure to lock in coverage quickly, or the lure of “guaranteed” savings. But in most cases, there are fine prints, hidden clauses, or requirements that simply don’t add up.

Consider it like this: a normal insurance quote involves a few checks — your age, health history (to the extent you’re comfortable sharing), location, and the plan’s network. When a promo sidesteps those steps and throws a deal at you with a glossy banner and a countdown clock, that’s your cue to slow down. Ask questions. Compare with official Get Covered Illinois resources. Read the terms. If it feels rushed or builds a sense of obligation, it’s time to step back and verify through trustworthy channels.

Why caution beats impulse every time

Impulse marketing isn’t always malicious, but it’s often designed to shortcut thinking. When you’re evaluating a health plan, you want accuracy, not illusion. Promotions that promise “the lowest price ever” or “free everything forever” almost always come with strings attached — limited coverage, higher out-of-pocket costs later, or restricted networks. The risk isn’t just about losing money; it’s about losing access to care when you actually need it.

If you’re ever unsure, the best move is to slow the process and check with a certified source. That’s where Get Covered Illinois offers clear, trustworthy guidance. You can compare plans, ask questions, and verify details without feeling pressed into a decision. Taking a beat doesn’t mean you’re missing out; it means you’re protecting yourself from a costly mistake.

Reporting suspicious calls helps the whole community (and you, too)

You’ll notice that not all fraud is aimed only at you personally. Some schemes rely on mass outreach — a phone call, a text, or a message that seems urgent. Reporting suspicious insurance-related calls to the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) isn’t just about “being a good citizen.” It helps flag patterns, warns others, and can lead to investigations that protect real people from real harm.

But does reporting stop the problem right now and for you? Not immediately. It’s more of a long game. It does, however, create a shield for others who might be targeted tomorrow. When you log a report, you’re contributing to a safer marketplace. You’re not just a victim; you’re part of a safety net that catches would-be scammers in the act.

Protecting your SSN by sharing it only with certified brokers/assisters

Your Social Security Number is powerful—until it isn’t. A lot of the trouble with identity theft starts with a single bad data point. One thing you can control is where you share that number. In Get Covered Illinois circles, you’ll hear about working with certified brokers or assisters who are authorized to help you compare plans and enroll. That certification isn’t a magic badge; it’s a signal that the person has met certain standards and follows privacy rules.

Here’s how to protect yourself in practice:

• Verify credentials before sharing anything personal. If someone claims to be a broker, ask for their badge or a verifiable ID and check it against official listings.

• Use official portals or direct phone lines you’ve found on trusted sites. Don’t rely on a link sent via text or email that you didn’t request.

• Share only the minimum information needed for enrollment. If a request seems excessive, pause and verify.

• If you’re unsure, use a public resource to verify the person’s standing rather than relying on a single phone call.

Remember, this is a safety step, not a guarantee. Even with certified help, you still want to stay aware, ask questions, and keep your documents secure.

Do not share personal information over the phone unless you’re certain the request is legitimate

This one is simple and surprisingly easy to forget in the heat of conversation. If someone calls and asks you for personal details, be cautious. Scammers will pressure you with urgency, sometimes pretending to be from a reputable agency or your insurance company. Even if the offer sounds tempting, resist the urge to reveal sensitive information over the phone. You can decline and say you’ll verify first. Then, call back through a verified official line.

Think of it like this: your information is valuable. A quick answer on the phone can become a long-term problem if it opens doors you didn’t intend to unlock. By keeping this boundary clear, you reduce the chance that a scammer can quickly impersonate you or misuse data.

A practical safety routine you can actually use

When you’re sifting through plan options or listening to calls, a simple routine helps you stay grounded:

• Pause before you react. A moment of reflection beats a moment of regret.

• Cross-check any offer with official Get Covered Illinois resources or the IDOI site. If something doesn’t align, it’s a red flag.

• Avoid sharing SSN, bank details, or login credentials unless you’ve confirmed the person is certified and you’re on a verified channel.

• If you receive a suspicious call, end the call and report it. You don’t need to have all the answers on the spot; you just need to take action to protect yourself and others.

Learning from everyday experiences

Fraud is not strictly an online problem; it’s a pattern you can recognize in everyday life. You’ve probably encountered a time when a deal felt a little too perfect, or you received a message promising something that sounded like a windfall. The skills you’re using now — skepticism, verification, and a calm approach — also serve you well in other areas: school, work, and even navigating new tech services. The more you practice safe habits, the sharper your instinct becomes.

Bringing it back to Get Covered Illinois resources

The real value in these guidelines is practicality. Get Covered Illinois is designed to help Illinois residents explore options with confidence, and that means giving you tools to separate solid information from the noise. If you see a promotion that seems too good to be true, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re protecting your friends and family by not spreading misinformation or falling for a scam. If you’re unsure about a phone call or a person who offers help, you have a reliable path to verify through official channels and report anything inappropriate.

A short checklist you can keep handy

• Do promotions look flashy but vague? Slow down and verify.

• Are you being pressured to enroll immediately or to share sensitive details? Step back.

• Is the caller asking for your SSN or other private data over the phone? Do not disclose—verify first.

• Can you verify the person’s credentials with an official source? If not, don’t proceed.

• Have you reported a suspicious call or message to the Illinois Department of Insurance? It helps create a safer environment for everyone.

Closing thought: stay curious, stay careful

Shopping for coverage is important, and understanding how fraud can show up is part of being a responsible consumer. The simplest rules often have the biggest impact: question promotions that sound too good to be true, verify through trusted channels, and protect personal information with care. By keeping these habits in your toolkit, you’ll navigate Get Covered Illinois resources with more confidence and less worry.

If you’d like, I can help tailor these ideas into a short reference sheet you can print or save on your phone. It could be a quick reminder card to keep near your computer or wallet, so you don’t have to pause and hunt for guidance in the moment. After all, safety isn’t about never taking chances; it’s about choosing smart, informed steps when you’re faced with something that might be risky. And with Get Covered Illinois as a steady guide, you can focus more on finding the coverage that fits your life and less on worrying about scams.