VANCOUVER, Nov. 13 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is warning
consumers to avoid disclosing financial information over the phone after
several consumers received calls from fraudsters pretending to be insurance
industry representatives.
"Consumers today really need to stay vigilant," said Lindsay Olson,
Vice-President, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. "These con
artists will do whatever they have to do to get your financial information."
The caller claims to be from the policyholder's insurance company and
demands the immediate payment, by credit card, of an outstanding amount on the
client's premium. The caller threatens to cancel the policy if payment is not
received. The calls have taken place across the country, indicating an
organized crime ring might be at work.
"The bottom line is that you should never divulge financial information
during a phone call you did not initiate, and your insurance company would
never ask you to," said Olson.
Any consumer who thinks they may have been targeted for this form of
fraud is asked to write down as much information as possible, including
originating phone number, and call the IBC Tips Line at 1-877-IBC-TIPS.
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association
representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member
companies represent nearly 95% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance
market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 108,000 Canadians,
pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal and provincial governments,
and has a total premium base of $36 billion.
To view news releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's
website at www.ibc.ca.
For further information: James Geuzebroek, (416) 362-2031 ext. 4364
