Due to increased scrutiny over changing health care, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s officials are advising worried consumers to be wary of scammers offering false replacement coverage.

“It’s happening across the nation,” said Jennifer Lentz Snyder, head deputy of the Health Care Insurance Fraud Division, and explained that the crime rates in Los Angeles County are difficult to track. “It’s hard to know because this is not something that people report often.”

The confidence artists pose as medical or insurance officials while calling potential targets, according to Snyder.

“They’re using it as a ploy to get their identity,” she said.  “Because they sound as though they information about (their health care) only somebody in that industry would.”

If they receive any sliver of information the consequence can be devastating, Snyder warned

“They can act on your info very quickly, once they have it.” she explained. “Do not share your information with anyone that’s an unsolicited caller.

“If you think you’re being scammed, report it.”