I got this from paralegal listserve and I thought it was worth passing on...

Lee :-)

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud is not typically a violent crime, just a lucrative one. As consumers, there are several common-sense steps you can take to help reduce fraud and minimize its impact.

Be an Informed Consumer. Insurance premiums are a significant expense for most of us. The premiums you pay are based on your individual claims history and the degree of risk involved. Generally speaking, the greater the risk, the higher the premium. A tightrope walker surely will pay more for life insurance than a librarian, all else being equal.

Comparison Shop. Premiums can vary significantly from insurer to insurer so it pays to shop around. To make comparison shopping a little easier, the Insurance Department publishes consumer guides for auto, homeowners, long-term care and HMO/health insurance that provide sample premiums for insurers that offer these coverages in New York State. In addition, the Insurance Department's Web site is also the home of an Interactive Guide to HMOs, which allows consumers to find information about HMOs operating within their home county.

Know Your Agent or Broker. Consumers can often be victimized by unscrupulous agents or brokers and discover only after they file a claim that they are without coverage for their home or their car. Deal only with licensed agents and brokers. Agents and brokers must carry proof of licensure. Ask to see it. Or call the Insurance Department’s Licensing Bureau at 1-800-342-3736 for licensing information.

Where's the Proof? Never pay for a premium in cash. Pay by check or a money order made out to the insurance company directly or to the agency—not to the individual agent or broker. In addition, always request a receipt.

Where's the Policy? You should receive a copy of any type of insurance policy complete with endorsements and declarations specifically outlining your coverage and its limitations within a reasonable period after your purchase. If you do not receive it, question your agent or broker. If there is no satisfactory explanation for the delay, contact the New York Insurance Department immediately. You may not have the insurance coverage you paid for.

Are You Being Billed for Services You Have Not Received? If you have received medical or dental treatment that is covered by an HMO or an insurance company, you will receive an "Explanation of Benefits" statement listing the services for which benefits have been paid. Review it carefully to ensure that your health care provider has not "bumped up" your claim or charged for services you did not receive. Contact your insurer immediately if you feel there are discrepancies. Fraudulent claims payments translate into higher insurance premiums for all of us.

What If You’re Involved in an Automobile Accident? Call the police to the scene and make sure that the details of the accident are documented and the identities of the occupants of the other vehicle are verified. Be suspicious if the driver of the other vehicle insists there is no need to call the police. That driver’s insurance card may be fraudulent and his car uninsured.

To access the above article or more information, please visit http://www.ins.state.ny.us/fd5victc.htm

Valuable information .

Thanks Lee !


=^..^=

Thank you for posting the infomation Lee.
We all need to become aware of what is going
on around us.