The Iowa Insurance Commissioner is urging the targets and victims of insurance or financial scams to report suspected fraudsters to the proper authorities.
Commissioner Nick Gerhart appeared on the KBUR Talkshow on Thursday. He says that fraudsters, claiming to represent Government entities, Banks, or Medical Companies, are calling, emailing, and even snailmailing potential victims, attempting to trick them into giving out personal information.
But you don’t have to be a victim. Gerhart says it’s easy to check with the Iowa Insurance Commission if you question the legitimacy of a group.
“Double check before you invest. Call our office and ask us if this group or person is…regulated by the state,” Gerhart told KBUR’s Steve Hexom and Rob Sussman.
Gerhart emphasizes that any and all incidents of fraud should be reported immediately to the Iowa Insurance Commission or the the Iowa Attorney General’s office. He says that investigations have resulted in many arrests and convictions for fraudsters. Gerhart was in town to lead a seminar on avoiding fraud at the Pzazz Convention Center–a seminar financed entirely from fines levied on fraudsters.
Especially at risk for fraud are the elderly, who tend to have large amounts of savings. But Gerhart says anybody can be targeted.
If you want to report a scam or want to determine the legitimacy of an organization, call the Iowa Insurance Commission at 877-955-1212.
