Guides
How to avoid rehab scams and patient brokering
Most programs are run by people who want to help. But Southern California has a long history of rehab fraud, and families should know the warning signs.
Warning signs
- Offers of free travel, free rent, cash, gift cards or phones to enroll
- “Helplines” or websites that will not say which facility they represent
- Pressure to commit on the first call
- Promises that treatment will be completely free with private insurance
- Offers to pay your insurance premiums
- Being moved from program to program, or asked to relapse to re-enroll
What California law says
California prohibits giving or receiving anything of value in exchange for referring patients to licensed addiction treatment programs (Health and Safety Code section 11831.65), and regulates how programs advertise. That is why this site never sells calls and labels its one paid placement.
How to report a concern
- DHCS Complaints: through the DHCS licensing and certification complaint process
- California Department of Insurance Fraud Division, for insurance fraud
- Your health plan’s fraud line
How rehab scams usually work
The most common schemes follow a pattern. A person is recruited, often online or through a “helpline,” with promises of free treatment, travel or housing. Their insurance is billed heavily, sometimes for unnecessary testing. When coverage runs out, they are discharged, sometimes encouraged to relapse, and recruited again. Sober living homes and programs may trade referrals for money behind the scenes.
These schemes were widely reported in Southern California in the 2010s, which led to new state laws on patient brokering and treatment advertising.
Fake helplines and lookalike listings
- A site lists “best rehabs” but every phone number connects to the same call center.
- A listing uses a real facility’s name but a different phone number.
- Map listings with a rehab’s name but no real address, or an address that does not match the license.
- A “free assessment” that asks for your insurance card before telling you who they are.
One simple test: ask “What is the name and license number of the facility I am talking to?” A legitimate program answers immediately.
If you already shared your insurance information
- Call your insurance company and ask what claims have been submitted.
- Ask for an explanation of benefits (EOB) for any treatment you did not receive.
- Report suspected fraud to your insurer and to the California Department of Insurance.
- If a licensed program is involved, file a complaint with DHCS.
Before you call a program
- Ask for the DHCS license or certification number and check it.
- Ask which levels of care they provide on site.
- Ask what your insurance covers and what you will owe.
- Ask where you would go next when this level of care ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for a rehab to pay for my travel?
Offering travel, housing, money or other things of value to induce someone to enroll can violate California and federal law. Legitimate programs may help with logistics, but they should never pay you to attend.
How does this site avoid patient brokering?
We list programs for free, never route or sell calls, and the one sponsor pays a flat advertising fee that has nothing to do with patients or admissions.