plowunited.net – The FBI has issued a new warning about scammers posing as health insurance agents to steal personal information from patients and healthcare providers. These cybercriminals send deceptive emails and text messages that appear to come from legitimate health insurers or their investigative teams.
According to the FBI, the messages aim to trick recipients into sharing sensitive data. The fraudsters sometimes claim the user is owed a reimbursement for a supposed overpayment. This tactic is designed to create urgency and encourage victims to hand over personal and medical details.
The scheme targets both individuals and healthcare employees. By posing as trusted sources, the scammers attempt to extract information like medical records, Social Security numbers, or insurance details. Once obtained, this data can be used in identity theft or financial fraud.
Though the FBI has not disclosed who is behind these scams. The agency warns that giving away personal data could result in serious consequences. Victims may find themselves with unauthorized credit cards in their name or have their mobile number stolen in a SIM-swap attack, which can lead to the takeover of bank or email accounts.
Phishing Tactics and How to Stay Safe from Health Scams
Security experts warn that the attackers use a classic phishing technique known as a confidence trick. By referencing accurate but partial personal data—such as a recent transaction or the last four digits of a Social Security number—they build trust with the target.
Errol Weiss, Chief Security Officer at the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center, told The Register that these phishing scams have become increasingly common in the healthcare sector. He explained that scammers often use stolen information to make their requests appear legitimate.
The growing use of digital communications in healthcare has created new vulnerabilities. Texts and emails from real insurers are common, making it harder to distinguish between a scam and a genuine message. If you receive a message about your insurance that seems suspicious, do not click on any links or share any personal information. Instead, contact your health insurance provider directly using their official website or customer service number to confirm the request.
As digital scams continue to evolve, staying cautious and verifying sources is more important than ever. The FBI encourages the public to report suspicious messages and remain alert to phishing threats in the healthcare space. These proactive steps can help protect personal data and reduce the risk of fraud.
