Don't want to be the next victim of health insurance scams? Take some advices from the Insurance Commissioner's Office of Washington State.

You can spot fraudulent health insurance scams if you inform yourself and ask questions. Here are some tips.

- If you don't recognize the name of the company offering the health plan, check on it first. Read all materials and scrutinize web sites carefully.
- Make sure the company is licensed. Ask the agent for the company's name, and check whether the benefit booklet names a licensed insurance company. To determine whether a company is licensed, call the Insurance Commissioner's toll-free Consumer Hotline at 1(800) 562-6900.
- Be suspicious if coverage seems unusually cheap, is issued with few questions about the applicant's health, or refers to coverage as "stop-loss insurance." Coverage that boasts excessively low rates or minimal underwriting should be a signal to look deeper.
- Deal with reputable insurance agents. If the person trying to sell you coverage says he or she doesn't need a license because the coverage isn't insurance, or is exempt from regulation, report this. To learn if an agent is licensed call the Insurance Commissioner's toll-free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
- Make sure the agent is selling a state-licensed product. If an insurance agent is trying to sell you an "ERISA" or "union" plan, report this to the Insurance Commissioner's toll-free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
- If you encounter any of these situations or your suspicions are otherwise raised, contact the Office of the Insurance Commissioner's toll free Hotline 1-800- 562-6900 and note specifically that you are calling about a possible illegal health insurance plan.