identity theft Archives

Insurance Fraud Is On The Rise, Worry Less With EZ

The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everyone’s life and finances. It has also changed the insurance industry. Many insurance companies switched to handling all of their day-to-day operations online, including handling claims, receiving payments and selling plans. While all of this has been happening, insurance scammers have seen an opportunity to steal information from innocent people. Unfortunately, if you do not use a trusted company that protects your information, you could end up the victim of insurance fraud. You need to work with a trusted company like EZ; we make sure to protect your information with state-of-the-art technology.

Types of insurance fraud to watch out for:

illustration of a hand holding a cell phone with a chat on the screen and a robot next to the phone with a chat box — *You can fall victim to insurance fraud from illegitimate chatbots offering insurance quotes that steal your information.*

Bot quotes: Many companies have chatbots ready to answer your questions, with some even providing insurance quotes! Be careful with giving any information to these bots, though: some websites will use them to take out fake policies using your information stolen from lead generators. It is always best to use trusted websites and to speak with a licensed agent on the phone. This way you know you are giving your information securely. EZ not only secures our website so that your information is 100% safe, but our agents are your advocates and are highly trained to handle your information securely.
Fake insurance companies and agents: Some scammers create fake insurance companies trying to sell you bogus health insurance plans. The General Accounting Office found 144 fake insurance companies that were pulling this scam, selling bogus health insurance plans to more than 200,000 policyholders, resulting in more than $252 million in unpaid claims. In addition to fraudulent insurance companies, there are also people who pose as agents and promise low premiums to get your attention. These fake agents will take your information and your money, pay the carrier, but then cancel the policy and keep your money.
Identity theft: In addition to stealing your money, scammers who pose as agents will also steal your information, including your social security number. Some will use your personal information to collect benefits and payments under your name without you even knowing, until after the damage has been done.

Avoiding These Scams

In order to avoid these scams you have to be aware of them. Keep yourself safe by never giving out your personal information to any company that contacts you unsolicited. Most importantly, you need to work with a reputable company, like EZ.Insure. EZ values you and is committed to keeping your identity secure, which is why we promise to protect your information against scammers with the best fraud prevention software. EZ’s website is 100% secure and you will always know who you are speaking with: after you fill out our form, we will give you your dedicated agent’s name and picture so you are familiar with them.If you are in the market for health insurance, EZ’s agents will get you covered, securely. You will speak to a live agent after filling out our form, and we will assess your needs and find you a budget-friendly plan that checks off everything on your list. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, we will be able to compare plans in minutes and find the right plan for you and your family. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

What to Do After Cybercrime

Cybercrime is any crime committed on the internet or using a computer. The definition extends to stolen personal data, credit card fraud, and other forms of identity theft or scams. With our economy becoming increasingly dependent upon technology, it stands to reason that the percentage of cybercrime would also increase. In 2019, it is theorized that around $1.5 trillion dollars are spent by people trying to protect themselves from cybercrime.

computer with hand in the dark with lit up keyboard — *We rely on computers for everything now, so we must also be wary of cybercrime.*

Besides the money involved, cybercrime statistics have only risen in recent years. About 1 in 4 Americans are affected by cybercrime each year, mostly from their data being leaked from breaches in large companies. With fraud, over half of Americans are either at risk or are already victims. The damage from online fraud for an individual is usually the exposure of personal info. This means that things like your name, address, social security number, credit card information, and more are posted online for others to take and use, but it can get much worse if a business’s information is exposed.

So what are you supposed to do after a cybercrime happens to your business?

File a Cybercrime Report

Like a physical crime, the first thing you should do is file a report with the police. With our assets digitized, computer crimes can be more devastating. Unfortunately, you may not know anything about the thief or any helpful information, but you need to file the report anyway. The report does two things: it declares your innocence, and it puts a formal start to the investigation. When it comes to stolen money, your financial institution will want to see the police report.

You will want to have confirmation of your identity on hand when you file. This will include a government-issued ID, proof of address such as a bill, and one other document. This last one may be another notice with your name and address on it.

Protect Yourself

close up of a mac keyboard — *You have to take steps to protect yourself in the cyber world. This can be done on your laptop or phone.*

Some people use password storage apps, others use one password for everything. No matter which person you are, a full overhaul of your security should take place after a cybercrime occurs. If there was one breach, there may be more in the future, so take care to change all the passwords you have for any sensitive account. This can include financial accounts you have open or even your online photo books. Everything should be changed for security.

Another step would be to add malware protection to your computer and run the program. The criminal activity may have come from outside, but it is still good practice to maintain a clean work computer.

The last step should be to update all of your browsers, operating systems, and protective services. They should be at the latest versions so you have the maximum protection.

Moving Forward After Cybercrime

Any crime can put you in a bad spot, but you shouldn’t let it get you down. These things can happen to anyone, from a CEO to a janitor. You may be worried about your company when these things happen, but fortunately, there are steps you can take afterward that can prevent you from falling victim to cybercrime again.

green data for a computer on a screen — *Data is transferred every moment of the day. How much of it could be yours?*

If you have not done so already, consider adding Cyber Liability to your coverage. It’s a foolproof way to contend with the increasing cybercrime rates. You do not want to find yourself in this mess without some backup at your side.

With cyber liability insurance, you have an agent to help you get everything done the right way. Along with someone to help you, cyber insurance will cover the costs associated with cybercrime such as legal fees. If you fear a loss in reputation because your business needs to recover from the cybercrime, this insurance also alleviates the time spent rebuilding assets and acquiring more protection, so you can get back on your feet.

That’s all you need when unfortunate events happen.

EZ.Insure is there to make sure you’re not alone. Your agent will answer any questions you have, compare different plans for you, and even sign you up when you’re ready, free of charge and without having to worry about being hounded by endless calls. To get started simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or you can speak to an agent by emailing replies@ez.insure, or calling 888-350-1890. EZ.Insure makes the entire process easy, and quick.

Common Internet Scams & Their Languages

With the world at our fingertips, it has become even easier to fall victim to online scams. Over the years, there have been many scams, and have evolved to trick people into participating. Once people fall victim to these scams, they can lose their identity, and/or up to thousands of dollars. People think that seniors are targeted and fall for these scams, but the reality is that these scammers target all age brackets.

Studies have shown that younger people between the ages of 20-30 reported losing money to fraud up to 40% more often than older people. However, when older people age 70 or higher was scammed, the median loss was higher than younger people.

Internet scammers only target is our money, and there is nothing that will stop them from trying, not even spyware. Make sure to familiarize yourself with common scams in order to avoid falling for them and losing money. Common language that should tip you off is phishing, pharming, and 419s just to name a few. Also focus on how these charities, IRS, fake family or friends are asking you to send money. This includes wiring money, putting money on a gift card or cash reload card.

Phishing Emails

*A lot of times, scams will come as an e-mail with an attachment, or from a company asking for information.*

This is the most common internet scam. It usually includes an attachment that once it is clicked on, gives access of your computer and finances to scammers. Sometimes these emails will look like it has come from an official source like a bank or company trying to trick you into giving them valuable information.

These emails will tell you there is an urgent matter like your bank account is threatened and you need to access the link and fill out your information. These scammers will then use the information to access your real account and take out money.

Lottery Scam

A lot of times some of us have experienced a pop up stating “Congrats you’ve been chosen to win a prize,” followed by a spin of a wheel of prizes. Other time it will be a message or email stating you’ve won a lot of money. However, in order to retrieve it, you must enter your information, or you must pay a “processing fee” to get your winnings.

Fake IRS Call

Lately, especially around the time to file your taxes, there will be fake phone calls from the “IRS” trying to scare you to paying money due to tax fraud. These scammers impersonating IRS officials have targeted more than 2 million taxpayers, many of them losing up to $2,000. Hang up as soon as you get these calls, and if you have concerns regarding your taxes, call the IRS.

Scammers will call you claiming to be an IRS agent demanding payment. — *Scammers will call you claiming to be an IRS agent demanding payment, or a distressed call that a relative needs your help.*

Romance/Distressed Family Member Scam

A lot of people find dates on the apps or through online dating websites. Some of the time, after building a “relationship” with you, they will begin to state they are going through some issues and need money. Other times, you will get a fake phone call that your grandson is in jail. Or they will say your family member was kidnapped and in order to help them you must send money. Be wary of these scams and call your family member to make sure they are okay, and if you cannot reach them, then call the police.

419 Scam

A popular internet scam is the email from a wealthy Nigerian family. The email says that the family has a lot of money to offer if you help them get it out of the bank. These are also known as the 419 scam because it refers to the section of Nigerian Criminal Code that deals with fraud. Delete the email if you see it to avoid losing money. Once you send some, they will keep asking for more with promises of a lot of money in return.

Make Money Fast Scam

Scammers will try to lure you in by making you believe you can make money fast. These scammer will ask for your information so that they can start you on their “payroll” and you can start making money. Do not fall for these get rich quick schemes or pyramid schemes that promise you a lot of money in a short amount of time.

Familiarize yourself with popular scams to protect yourself and your hard earned money. Scammers will try everything to try and get money from people unaware of everyday scams. If it seems like it is too good to be true, that’s because it is.

Protect Yourself, Know How to Spot Medicare Card Scams

Starting in April 2018, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services will be issuing new Medicare ID cards to Medicare beneficiaries. As stated on their website, www.cms.gov, the new cards issued will not have the beneficiary’s social security number on them anymore to “prevent fraud, fight identity theft, and keep taxpayer dollars safe.”

Instead, the new cards will have 11 randomly generated numbers and uppercase letters. This new ID is called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier.

Due to these changes, there is a rise in scams, because scammers know it is easy to scare seniors into giving up their information.

The government has warned people to keep an eye out for scams when they are choosing between plans. Regional director of AARP Foundation, Amy Nofziger stated that “criminals will always use current events to confuse and victimize unsuspecting consumers, and this applies to the Medicare open enrollment period.”

*Scammers will pretend to be the IRS to get your information.*

These criminals will pretend to be a Medicare representative. They will ask you to verify your social security, birth date, Medicare number, and address, in order to receive a new card. They will then use your social security number to open credit cards, apply for loans, or file fake tax returns.

It is important to know that there is no cost for a new card. Medicare will never ask you for personal information to receive one. You will not have to do anything to get a new card. To protect yourself, it is crucial to be aware of the tactics these scammers are using.

Phone Calls

Because social security numbers are being removed from cards, scammers will be calling even more than usual.

A legitimate agency would not call anyone to ask for their social security number in order to issue a new Medicare card. There are no “official Medicare agents,” because Medicare does not have any sales reps.

Medicare will usually mail you unless you call or email them. Nofziger added that Medicare will never call and ask you for personal information like bank accounts or credit card numbers.

If someone calls you trying to sell you insurance, scare you about disabling your benefits, or charging you a fee for the new card, then they are a fraudster.

Refunds

Scammers will tell you that changes have entitled you to a refund in order to get your information. Medicare does not call or ask for any information. Medicare will send you a check directly with an explanation of the refund if you are owed any money.

Part D Plan Requirement

Medicare prescription plan, Part D, is not a requirement to have Medicare. Scammers will call you and tell you have to join a Part D plan if you want to keep your Medicare benefits.

Be aware of these scams, and if you are contacted by a scammer claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS, you can report it at www.ftc.gov.

*Identity theft can happen to anyone and cause a lot of stress.*

Other Scams To Be Aware Of

Some other scams to familiarize yourself with are the different scams on the internet. These can come in the form of an email, an illegitimate website, or on social media. Scammers will send you an email pretending to be your bank or the IRS asking you to update or verify information. Banks and the IRS will never do this, so if you see it, do not respond and make sure to call your bank or the IRS first.

One of the newer tactics used by scammers is social media like Facebook where they will message you with an enticing offer to invest in something. Or a scammer will have made a fake account of one of your current friends, and message you asking for money due to an unfortunate event. If your friend is in need, do not wire them any money before calling them and confirming it is actually them and they are in need of help.

Protect yourself

Be wary of dating website scams, this is common for seniors. A person you might have met on a dating website will talk to you and then over time create a scenario where they need your help financially here and there. Do not fall for these scams, as it is only an attempt to get money from you without any intention of a relationship.

Whenever you log onto the internet, make sure to practice internet safety. Do not take the “bait” from scammers whether through email, FaceBook, dating websites, or sweepstakes promising big winnings. Create a strong password for everything, and do not share it with anyone. Make sure to verify whoever it is you are speaking with over the phone even if they claim to be relative or friends. Contact any company over phone if you received an email or message asking for information, and never provide your information unless you know the website you are on is legitimate. These tips will help you avoid scams and give you a sense of security.