More than $1.1 million in checks are in the mail
Clik here to view.
of ConsumerAffairsImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Consumers bitten by a health insurance scam will soon be getting their money back.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mailing out 6,832 checks totaling more than $1.1 million to consumers who bought memberships from the Independent Association of Businesses (IAB) and Health Service Providers (HSP). Individual checks are in the amount of $167.73.
In 2012, the FTC charged IAB and HSP with violating the FTC Act and the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule by deceiving consumers seeking comprehensive health insurance.
Instead of health coverage, consumers received membership in IAB, an obscure trade association that provided purported discounts on services such as identity-theft protection, travel, roadside assistance, and some healthcare related benefits that were subject to broad exclusions and limitations.
Under settlement orders issued in 2013 and 2014, the defendants are banned from selling healthcare-related products.
Consumers should deposit or cash the checks within 60 days of the mailing date. Those who receive checks and have questions may contact Gilardi & Co., the FTC’s refund administrator, at 1-877-255-2476.
