Oregon Dept. of Consumer & Business Services

Emergency Messages as of 2:48 AM, Tue. Oct 13

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News Release

Oregon Division Of Financial Regulation Keeps Pause On Cancellations In Place By Extending Wildfire Emergency Order Another 30 Days (Photo) - 09/29/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has extended the wildfire emergency order and bulletin a second time for 30 days to Oct. 29. The order was set to expire Sept. 29. The division initially issued the order in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation and extended it 30 days in late August. The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered. 
 
As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order: 
• Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals 
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications
• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims
 
If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
 
Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.
 
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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov. 
 

Attached Media Files: Oregon Division of Financial Regulation logo,

Oregon Division Of Financial Regulation Keeps Pause On Cancellations In Place By Extending Wildfire Emergency Order Another 30 Days (Photo) - 09/29/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has extended the wildfire emergency order and bulletin a second time for 30 days to Oct. 29. The order was set to expire Sept. 29. The division initially issued the order in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation and extended it 30 days in late August. The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered. 
 
As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order: 
• Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals 
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications
• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims
 
If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
 
Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.
 
###
 
About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov. 
 

Attached Media Files: Oregon Division of Financial Regulation logo,

DFR Warns Of “self-funded” Limited-partner Health Plans (Photo) - 09/22/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

 

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

 

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

 

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

 

Red flags to look for include:

  • A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
  • A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
  • A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
  • A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
  • A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
  • A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
  • A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

 

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

  • Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
  • Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
  • LP Management Services, LLC
  • Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
  • NXT Level Health
  • Multiplan PHCS Network
  • Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
  • Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
  • ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
  • Emergency Management Alliance
  • Premier Health Solutions
  • Strategic Limited Partners, LP
  • The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

DFR Warns Of “self-funded” Limited-partner Health Plans (Photo) - 09/22/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

 

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

 

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

 

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

 

Red flags to look for include:

  • A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
  • A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
  • A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
  • A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
  • A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
  • A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
  • A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

 

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

  • Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
  • Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
  • LP Management Services, LLC
  • Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
  • NXT Level Health
  • Multiplan PHCS Network
  • Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
  • Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
  • ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
  • Emergency Management Alliance
  • Premier Health Solutions
  • Strategic Limited Partners, LP
  • The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

DFR Warns Investors About AI-powered Investment Scams (Photo) - 09/14/26

Salem – Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create convincing investment pitches, websites, videos, and messages, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) warned today.

 

AI tools can be useful for learning about investing and financial products, but fraudsters are using technology to make investment scams look more legitimate and reach potential victims more easily.

 

“Artificial intelligence may make a scam look more sophisticated, but the warning signs of investment fraud remain familiar,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner and DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Consumers should slow down, independently verify who they are dealing with, and never let pressure or fear of missing out drive an investment decision. Always remember that if the investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

 

DFR is warning consumers about several common AI-related scams:

  • Deepfakes and impersonation: Scammers can create realistic videos or audio of celebrities, public figures, financial professionals, friends, or family members promoting investments, including those promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.
  • AI and cryptocurrency trading schemes: Fraudsters may advertise supposedly proprietary or guaranteed AI trading systems. Victims can be directed to fake platforms that display fabricated account balances or profits and then pressured to send additional money, often in cryptocurrency.
  • AI voice and messaging scams: Voice-cloning technology can make calls or messages appear to come from someone the victim knows or trusts. Unsolicited investment recommendations should be independently verified.
  • Romance scams: Fraudsters can use AI-generated images and chatbots to create convincing dating profiles and build relationships before persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency, startups, or other purported opportunities.

Consumers should be particularly cautious about unsolicited investment offers, online advertisements featuring celebrities or public figures, unusual facial or body movements in videos, awkward or unnatural voice messages, requests for cryptocurrency payments, reluctance to meet or verify credentials, and websites that mimic legitimate financial firms.

 

DFR recommends that consumers:

  • Pause before investing. Scammers often use urgency and fear of missing out to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
  • Verify registration. Confirm that the person or company offering an investment is properly registered. Registration does not guarantee an investment is risk-free, but an unregistered seller is a significant warning sign.
  • Research independently. Search for the investment company, the individual making the offer, and their contact information. Do not rely solely on information provided by the person pitching the investment.
  • Do not rely on AI alone. AI tools can produce inaccurate, outdated, or fabricated information. Consumers should cross-check investment claims with reliable sources and consult a registered investment professional when appropriate.
  • Verify unexpected communications. If a message, call, or video appears to come from a financial adviser, friend, or family member, contact that person through a trusted, independent method before acting.

Consumers who suspect they have been targeted by an AI investment scam should report the activity to DFR and appropriate authorities, including the Oregon Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting suspected fraud can help regulators identify emerging scams and protect other consumers.

 

DFR also warns consumers to be cautious of anyone offering to recover money lost in an investment scam. Such offers can be another scam targeting victims who have already lost money. To report suspected investment fraud or if you have been a victim of a scam, contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

DFR Warns Investors About AI-powered Investment Scams (Photo) - 09/14/26

Salem – Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create convincing investment pitches, websites, videos, and messages, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) warned today.

 

AI tools can be useful for learning about investing and financial products, but fraudsters are using technology to make investment scams look more legitimate and reach potential victims more easily.

 

“Artificial intelligence may make a scam look more sophisticated, but the warning signs of investment fraud remain familiar,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner and DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Consumers should slow down, independently verify who they are dealing with, and never let pressure or fear of missing out drive an investment decision. Always remember that if the investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

 

DFR is warning consumers about several common AI-related scams:

  • Deepfakes and impersonation: Scammers can create realistic videos or audio of celebrities, public figures, financial professionals, friends, or family members promoting investments, including those promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.
  • AI and cryptocurrency trading schemes: Fraudsters may advertise supposedly proprietary or guaranteed AI trading systems. Victims can be directed to fake platforms that display fabricated account balances or profits and then pressured to send additional money, often in cryptocurrency.
  • AI voice and messaging scams: Voice-cloning technology can make calls or messages appear to come from someone the victim knows or trusts. Unsolicited investment recommendations should be independently verified.
  • Romance scams: Fraudsters can use AI-generated images and chatbots to create convincing dating profiles and build relationships before persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency, startups, or other purported opportunities.

Consumers should be particularly cautious about unsolicited investment offers, online advertisements featuring celebrities or public figures, unusual facial or body movements in videos, awkward or unnatural voice messages, requests for cryptocurrency payments, reluctance to meet or verify credentials, and websites that mimic legitimate financial firms.

 

DFR recommends that consumers:

  • Pause before investing. Scammers often use urgency and fear of missing out to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
  • Verify registration. Confirm that the person or company offering an investment is properly registered. Registration does not guarantee an investment is risk-free, but an unregistered seller is a significant warning sign.
  • Research independently. Search for the investment company, the individual making the offer, and their contact information. Do not rely solely on information provided by the person pitching the investment.
  • Do not rely on AI alone. AI tools can produce inaccurate, outdated, or fabricated information. Consumers should cross-check investment claims with reliable sources and consult a registered investment professional when appropriate.
  • Verify unexpected communications. If a message, call, or video appears to come from a financial adviser, friend, or family member, contact that person through a trusted, independent method before acting.

Consumers who suspect they have been targeted by an AI investment scam should report the activity to DFR and appropriate authorities, including the Oregon Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting suspected fraud can help regulators identify emerging scams and protect other consumers.

 

DFR also warns consumers to be cautious of anyone offering to recover money lost in an investment scam. Such offers can be another scam targeting victims who have already lost money. To report suspected investment fraud or if you have been a victim of a scam, contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,