By the Securify teamPublished Nov 1, 2026. 2 min read.
The safe move
Hang up on recorded sales calls. To shop for a plan, start at HealthCare.gov, typed in yourself, or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
Incoming callHealth Benefits Center (recorded)4
This is an important message1 about your health coverage for next year. Open enrollment has started, and you may qualify for a full-coverage plan for $0 a month2. Press 1 now to speak with a licensed enrollment advisor before spots run out3.
What gives it away
1
It’s a recording
The FTC reminded marketers that prerecorded robocalls selling health insurance are illegal. A recorded pitch is a reason to hang up.
2
Big promise, low price
The FTC says some pitches promise full coverage but sell limited benefits or discount cards that are not insurance.
3
Made-up rush
Open enrollment runs to Jan. 15. Pressure to act right now is meant to stop you from checking.
4
Official-sounding name
The FTC says some ads and calls look like they come from the government or a big insurer but are from impersonators.
Pretends to be
A health plan or government enrollment office
Arrives by
Phone call
After
To sign you up or get your personal details
Main source
Federal Trade Commission, Oct 29, 2026
What’s going on
Marketplace open enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. On October 29, 2026, the FTC warned about a flood of health plan ads, calls and texts. Some promise full coverage but offer limited benefits, or sell discount cards that aren’t insurance. Some pose as the government or big insurers. The FTC also reminded marketers that prerecorded robocalls selling health insurance are illegal, so a recorded pitch is a red flag.
If you already pressed 1
Don’t sign anything or pay until you check the plan at HealthCare.gov or with 1-800-318-2596.
Ask in writing whether it is health insurance or a discount card, and what it covers.
If you gave a bank or card number, call the number on the back of your card.
Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Report misleading ads and illegal robocalls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Safe move: Don’t pay and don’t share your Social Security number. Hang up. Then look up the charity yourself and contact it through its own website, scrolling past the paid ads in search results.
Safe move: Hang up. The FTC says it won't call to cut off your phone or ask you for money. Don't call any number the caller tells you to look up. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
