The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) cautions District residents to be on the alert for a coronavirus (COVID-19) scam being perpetrated by a company targeting District and Maryland residents.
DISB received a complaint about a scam by a company claiming to be affiliated with the Maryland Health Connection and Allianz Care. In a letter addressed to targeted individuals, the Global Medicare Insurance Group claims that a health protection program has been initiated to fight the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the District of Columbia and Maryland. The company asks individuals to contact them within five business days for step-by-step instructions on how to receive COVID-19 support funds. Individuals are urged to act quickly before the funds are no longer available. The supposed funds would be sent through their fictitious financial partner, Signal Financial Credit Union.
The Global Medicare Insurance Group is not affiliated with the Maryland Health Connection or Allianz Care. They are not located at the Maryland address indicated on the letterhead, and they are not licensed to do business in Maryland or the District of Columbia.
DISB recommends that residents who receive offers of COVID-19 support funds or related benefits:
- Be wary of any letter that says you must act quickly to claim your COVID-19 support funds before they are forfeited; this technique is designed to get you to provide your personally identifiable information.
- Never respond to a letter or other communication with your personal information unless you have independently verified the identity of the individual or entity requesting it.
If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 scam, or you have questions about financial fraud, please contact the Department’s Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division at (202) 727-8000.
For updates on the District’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
DISB Mission
The mission of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents on financial matters; and (3) provide financing for District small businesses.
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