It is never to early for scam artists, the only criminals we refer to as artists to take advantage of timely events to scam people and steal their money.  The Affordable Care Act, which is sometimes called Obamacare is an  extensive overhaul of the health care system that is being phased in over a number of years.  Beginning October 1st people will first have the opportunity to purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace also referred to as the Health Insurance Exchange.  This program will permit you to fill out just one application to learn about multiple health care options.  Unfortunately, scammers are already contacting people by phone and email  purporting to be with the Health Insurance Marketplace asking for personal information, such as your bank account number or Social Security number needed, they say, to apply for health insurance.   This is a fraud.  The scammers then use this information to make the recipients of the call or email a victim of identity theft.

TIPS

At this time, the Health Insurance Marketplace is not in operation.  It is not scheduled to start until October 1, 2013.  Anyone who calls you representing that he or she is with the Health Insurance Marketplace is lying.  Do not give them any personal information.  In fact, you should never give personal information to anyone who calls you or emails you asking for personal information unless you are absolutely positive they are legitimate, which you cannot do without confirming this fact by contacting the real organization, if there is one, that they purport to represent so never give personal information to anyone who calls you or emails you.