Tiempo: Preventing insurance scams that target the Latino community
Fraudsters target Spanish-speaking people with fake insurance offers, exploiting language barriers and financial stress to steal money or personal information.
How it works
Scammers contact Spanish speakers by phone, text, or in person, often posing as insurance agents or government officials. They offer cheap insurance or claim the person owes money on an existing policy. They push for immediate payment or ask for personal details like Social Security number and bank account.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or sender speaks only Spanish when you expect bilingual service
- Offers insurance at a price much lower than other quotes
- Demands payment by wire, gift card, or cash
- Refuses to provide a mailing address or official website
- Claims you owe back premiums on a policy you do not recognize
- Pressure to act today or lose coverage
What to do
Do not give money or personal information to unsolicited callers. Hang up and contact the insurance company directly using the number on your actual policy or on your state insurance commissioner's website. If you do not have an existing policy with them, you can verify with your state's insurance regulator. Report the contact to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If this reached you
Source: ABC7 New York . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.