Alberta RCMP Press Release
Alberta RCMP are raising awareness about a ghost broker scam.
During a recent motor vehicle collision in the Ponoka area, it was discovered that one of the involved parties was the victim of insurance fraud.
The victim provided his pink card as required which indicated the company All Covered Canada, only to find out that this insurance company did not exist.
Ghost brokers are individuals who disguise themselves as insurance brokers under the false pretext of selling insurance.
As a result, those who pay ghost brokers for these fake insurance policies are not covered or insured at all.
Some red flags to look for are:
- Deals that are too good to be true
- No physical office or suspicious online presence
- Unable to provide proof of insurance immediately
- Charging a “finder’s fee”
- Asking for cash only payments
It is recommended that the public should always:
- Speak with an insurance professional who is properly licensed and qualified to sell insurance
- Only purchase insurance from a brokerage or agent you trust
- Confirm a specific insurance broker’s license status by referring to the licensing body within your province. For example, in Alberta, Albertans can check the Alberta Insurance Council to look up and confirm details of an insurance representative and the agency they represent.
If you believe you are a victim of or have information regarding ghost broker fraud please call your local police.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
