FBI Raids Houston Company Accused of Defrauding Customers

HOUSTON — FBI agents seized files, computers, and evidence from Health Matching Account Services (HMA) on Thursday, following allegations of fraud against thousands of customers. The company, which has now shut down its website, claimed to offer the “ultimate medical savings product” for those needing help with bills not covered by insurance.

In February, customers filed complaints against HMA, which operated along Woodway Drive in Houston. Customers like Alvaro Ledesma reported investing nearly $5,000 into their accounts but faced difficulties in having claims paid.

Ledesma described feeling “held hostage” by the company’s terms, which stated that failing to make monthly contributions could terminate the account, along with forfeiting the balance. “They’re just forcing you to do something that you don’t want to do,” he said. “Now that the FBI is involved, that’s very good news for me.”

Attorney Alex Loftus, based in Chicago, has filed a class-action lawsuit against HMA, alleging that the company made false promises about matching contributions. He stated, “There was never any matching. It was entirely fraudulent.” Loftus highlighted the scale of the allegations, estimating that about 40,000 customers contributed around $200 million, with minimal payouts in claims.

Loftus has collaborated with federal law enforcement throughout the investigation. He noted that an employee, who was terminated, provided key information to the Department of Justice, leading to the FBI’s raid. “Thanks to your reporting, people were very aware of the work I was doing,” Loftus said.

For customers like Ledesma, the FBI’s involvement represents renewed hope for recovering some of their lost funds. “Before I had doubt. Now I’m hoping, yes,” he said.

KHOU 11 Investigates has requested comments from HMA and its legal representatives regarding the civil lawsuit, but has not received a response. The company has previously denied the allegations and stated it would vigorously defend itself.

An FBI spokesperson mentioned that the agency cannot respond to inquiries until after the government shutdown.

After the FBI’s arrival, Loftus reported that HMA employees were instructed to leave and are no longer employed. For potential tips or story ideas, the public can contact KHOU 11 at 713-521-4310.