BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Department of Insurance officials are warning consumers about new scams operating under the guise of the federal Affordable Care Act. Department of Insurance Director Bill Deal says education is the best defense against bogus websites and other schemes targeting elderly and other vulnerable consumers.

Starting next month, consumers can use the state's new health insurance exchange to shop and safely buy approved insurance coverage. But officials caution against shopping at other websites that ask for personal financial information.

Other signs a website or telephone call may be questionable include: Claims the company has the new "Obamacare" insurance card; has state insurance exchange plans for sale before Oct. 1 or makes threats that consumers who don't buy health insurance could go to jail.

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