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25 Investigates: Mass. AG Launches Rehab Scam Investigation

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office confirms it has launched a criminal investigation into, what it calls, addiction treatment scams.

25 Investigates first reported on the issue in May and has since uncovered at least 19 people from Massachusetts and New Hampshire died of overdoses -- many after seeking treatment – in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Healey’s office would not provide additional details about its investigation, but 25 Investigates has learned that law enforcement in Florida were contacted about the Massachusetts probe.

In a statement e-mailed to Boston 25 News, the AG’s Office wrote:

“It is critical that people struggling with addiction can safely access treatment services. Unfortunately, those seeking to make a profit off of this epidemic are targeting vulnerable patients with illegal treatment and recovery scams. We’re committing to protecting families in Massachusetts and ask that people contact us if they have been the victim of such a scam.”

MORE: 25 Investigates: South Florida leaders to New England rehab patient - 'stay away'