Texas Attorney General Sues to Halt Deceptive Insurance Marketer
A robocalling company attempting to sell fraudulent and deceptive health insurance plans has been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for alleged violations of the Texas No Call Act and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
According to the attorney general’s office, LeadGen Sales and Marketing’s deceptive robocalls fraudulently describe their purported health insurance for COVID-19 testing and treatment as “Trump Care health plans,” in a attempt to lead consumers into believing that the plans have ties to the federal government.
LeadGen is not sponsored by or affiliated with the federal government, the AG’s office said. Additionally some of the deceptive robocalls made by LeadGen reached Texans who registered their telephone number on the federal and/or Texas do-not-call lists.
The AG’s court filing identifies defendants as LeadGen, a Tampa, Florida-based telemarketing company, and its owner, operator and registered agent, Okie Olen Miller.
The lawsuit states that LeadGen and Miller, “in generating leads for their clients, have placed abusive telemarketing calls to the homes, offices, and cell phones of consumers nationwide, including in Austin, Texas.”
The lawsuit also alleges the defendants, preying on fears of the current coronavirus crisis represent that many of the plans, the cost of which starts at $79 per month, include testing and treatment for coronavirus-related illness, COVID-19.
According to the AG’s lawsuit, a sample LeadGen message states:
“Hi, this is William with the Benefit Management Team. Trump Care health plans are now available. Plans starting as low as $79.00 per month. Many plans include coronavirus testing and treatment. We can guarantee you the lowest cost on health insurance for you and your family. Learn your options, request free quotes, compare plans. Press 0 now to speak with the Trump Care advisor. Save over 50 percent with these plans. Whether or not you’re self-employed, working without health insurance, retiring, or just want to save money, please press 0 right now for a free no obligation quote.”
The AG’s lawsuit seeks monetary penalties in addition to an injunction against the company and Miller requiring them to stop the deceptive calls.