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August 26, 2010

Oxendine: Refunds available for health insurance scam victims

Submitted by the office of the state insurance commissioner

ATLANTA — Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine said Georgians who purchased a health insurance plan from American Trade Association Inc. or its affiliates have until Aug. 31, 2010, to request a refund of premium from this unauthorized insurer.

American Trade Association Inc., American Trade Association LLC, Smart Data Solutions LLC and Serve America Assurance sold bogus health insurance policies nationwide.  In Georgia more than 1600 individuals thought they were covered by the corporations.

In May the companies were ordered to shut down.  Affected consumers can find information on how to file a claim at www.americantradeliquidation.com or by calling (800) 591-6764, or by emailing questions@americantradeliquidation.com

Commissioner Oxendine cautioned Georgians to be wary when buying any kind of insurance. The commissioner offered the following tips to protect you from scam artists:

• Beware of door-to-door sales people. Agents cannot solicit business at your home without an appointment.  Do not let uninvited agents into your home.

• Check with Oxendine’s office at 1-800-656-2298 to make sure a salesperson is a licensed agent.

• Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone you have not verified as a licensed agent.

• Verify that the plan you have chosen is backed by a licensed insurance company.  You can confirm this at the number above.  If buying an approved Medicare plan, all approved plans are available at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

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