Attorney General Luther Strange on Monday warned consumers about fraudulent attempts to steal identification in the wake of implementation of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

Strange offered details about how consumers can protect themselves, and how they can safely access information about health care and insurance programs.

“As attorney general, I am committed to protecting the people of Alabama from scams and fraud,” Strange said. “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 the only two ways to sign up for healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act is through its web site, www.healthcare.gov, or by calling 1-800-318-2596.

Consumers should not use any other web site 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 visitingwww.ago.alabama.gov or by calling its toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-5658.