Mark Duprè, a Licensed Insurance Expert with MLD Agency in Illinois, Shares a Personal Story:

Mark, a trusted Illinois insurance agency owner and Medicare expert, recently fell victim to a scam tactic. He received a call from an angry individual claiming Mark had changed his father’s insurance without permission. The caller was the man’s Power of Attorney (POA) and expressed frustration as his father resided in a nursing home and couldn’t make such decisions.

Upon investigation, Mark discovered scammers were impersonating him and the MLD Agency, using their phone number to target unsuspecting individuals such as this man’s father. Mark Duprè being the seasoned expert he is immediately contacted the carrier and the Department of Insurance to assist this individual with his father’s scam. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance against such scams. If someone calls claiming to be Mark or the MLD Agency please confirm our NPI number, hang up, and call our direct line back (630) 845-8678, or email us directly to ensure you are speaking with one of our licensed agents.

Common Health Insurance Telemarketing Scams:

• Phony urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make immediate decisions about your health insurance. They might claim exclusive discounts or limited-time offers that don’t exist.
• Fake identities: Scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations like Medicare or well-known insurance companies. They might even try to pose as a ghost broker, someone who sells fake or unauthorized insurance.
• Stealing personal information: Their goal is to obtain your personal details like Social Security number, Medicare ID, or bank account information. This can lead to identity theft and financial losses.
• Misrepresenting benefits: They might offer bogus health insurance plans with little to no coverage or trick you into switching plans that are not in your best interest.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never give out personal information over the phone: Legitimate insurance companies and government agencies won’t ask for sensitive information through unsolicited calls.
• Verify NPI numbers: When speaking with someone claiming to be an insurance agent, ask for their National Producer Number (NPI). You can then verify their license on your state’s Department of Insurance website.
• Do your research: Don’t be pressured into immediate decisions. Take time to research plans and companies before committing.
• Hang up and call directly: If a call feels suspicious, politely end the conversation. Then, contact the legitimate organization the caller claimed to represent using a verified phone number you find on their official website.

Insurance agents do not typically solicit business through cold calls. If they are calling you, hang up and call the MLD Agency or your local independent agent who will 100% have your best interest in mind.

For more information on how to avoid insurance scams, check out this helpful resource from Allstate: How to Avoid Insurance Scams: https://www.allstate.com/resources/beware-of-insurance-scams.

At MLD Agency, we prioritize our clients’ safety and security. Here’s what you can do if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from us:

• Do not confirm any personal information.
• Ask for the caller’s NPI number.
• Hang up and call MLD Agency directly at [630-845-8678].
• Email Mark Duprè directly at [[email protected]] to confirm any changes to your insurance plan.

By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to health insurance scams.

Some additional references that can help you understand and combat health insurance scams are:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Telemarketing Scams: https://www.ftc.gov/office-inspector-general/ftc-imposter-scams
• Medicare.gov on How to Avoid Medicare Scams: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10111-Protecting-Yourself-and-Medicare.pdf
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) on Consumer Resources: https://content.naic.org/

Contact us for all of your Illinois insurance needs and know that we have your best interest in mind! 

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