consumer scams

Understanding how to identify an insurance scam can help you avoid becoming a victim. Insurance scams come in many forms and some are easier to detect than others. From auto warranty to home improvement, common scams include:

• Intentionally destroying property, then tricking the insurance company into thinking it was an accident.
• Faking an injury to collect disability, workers' compensation or personal injury insurance.
• Making a false theft report, pretending property was stolen when it was actually hidden or destroyed.

There are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family from common consumer scams. The tips below¹ are a good place to start.

• Don't share your Social Security Number, bank account or credit card information with strangers.
• Don't sign paperwork until you read and understand it.
• Don't pay money upfront to get a loan or win a lottery or sweepstakes.
• Don't respond to letters or emails asking you to wire money out of the country.
• Don't cash checks you get in the mail along with a letter that tells you you've won an unexpected prize.

If you become aware of insurance fraud, call 1-800-TEL-NICB to report it. You can anonymously report fraud and help keep your insurance premiums from going up.