MONTGOMERY — Attorney General Luther Strange is cautioning Alabamians to be wary when signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

This week Strange issued a consumer alert warning of fraudulent attempts to steal identification information after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

“As Attorney General, I am committed to protecting the people of Alabama from scams and fraud,” said Strange.  “One of our most effective weapons is to stop these crimes before they happen, through consumer education and prevention.  My Consumer Protection Section handles complaints and inquiries from the public about numerous issues, and works hard to help them resolve their problems. In doing so, we develop many good tips and information that we want to share so that consumers may be informed and implement good practices for their protection.”

Strange said consumers should be aware that the only two ways to sign up for healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act is through its website, www.healthcare.gov, or by calling 1-800-318-2596.  Consumers should not use any other website or hotline, should not give out any personal information to anyone who contacts them and should not pay anyone to help them.

The only approved insurance providers for Alabama through online federal marketplaces are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Humana. Other insurance policies that meet minimum requirements of the Affordable Care Act may be offered online by private insurance companies. Consumers may verify legitimate insurance carriers by contacting the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Suspicious websites or people claiming to be with The Affordable Care Act can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section by visiting www.ago.alabama.gov or by calling its toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-5658.