FTC Secures Temporary Injunction Against Deceptive Health Care Telemarketing Scheme

USA: FTC Secures Temporary Injunction Against Deceptive Health Care Telemarketing Scheme

A U.S. district court in Florida has issued a temporary restraining order halting the operations of a network of companies and individuals accused by the Federal Trade Commission of defrauding consumers through misleading health‑care plan marketing. The order follows an FTC complaint that alleges the scheme generated tens of millions of dollars in harm by selling plans that are not comprehensive health insurance.

Scope of the Alleged Scheme

The complaint identifies Top Healthcare Options Insurance Agency Inc. and eleven affiliated entities as the primary defendants. According to the FTC, the defendants targeted shoppers seeking comprehensive health coverage online, presenting false claims that their products were “Affordable Care Act Plans,” “Obamacare Health Insurance Carriers,” or “2024 Obama Care Plans.” In reality, the plans offered limited benefits, lacked the coverage of true health insurance, and left buyers exposed to substantial out‑of‑pocket costs.

Deceptive Practices Described

FTC investigators allege that the defendants collected personal information through lead‑generation websites and then used telemarketing scripts designed to steer consumers away from legitimate coverage toward the limited‑benefit plans. The complaint states that the defendants misrepresented the plans as comprehensive insurance, as PPOs, and as providing substantial coverage for specific providers, services, or prescriptions, while also claiming low copays or deductibles that did not reflect the actual terms.

Legal Violations and Relief Sought

The FTC alleges violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and the FTC Act. In addition to the temporary restraining order, the agency is seeking refunds for affected consumers and other equitable relief. The court’s order bars the defendants from continuing the alleged deceptive practices pending further litigation.

FTC Commentary

“Health insurance is one of the most important and costly purchases consumers make for themselves and their families,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Ensuring that shoppers have accurate information is essential, especially when affordability is a top concern.”

Procedural Background

The FTC staff voted 2‑0 to file the complaint against the twelve defendants. The filing was initially sealed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, but the seal has since been lifted, making the details public.

Defendants and Agency Personnel

The named defendants include Top Healthcare Options Insurance Agency Inc.; Golden State Advisors Insurance Agency LLC; Top Healthcare Solutions LLC; Direct Health Solutions Insurance Agency, LLC; Prime Healthcare Solutions Insurance Agency LLC; Premier Services Group Hub LLC; Elevation Media Group LLC; Sargent Financial LLC (doing business as WeMake Media LLC); Ramz Media Marketing LLC; Tiffanie Gonzalez; Ramzey Hassoun; and Richard Sargent. FTC staff members Tammy Chung, Jason Moon, and Nicole Conte in the Southwest Region assisted with the case.

FTC Mission Context

The Federal Trade Commission’s broader mission is to promote competition and protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. The agency emphasizes that it never demands money, makes threats, or promises prizes, and it encourages the public to report suspicious activities.

This report is based on information from Federal Trade Commission, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.