If you’re getting new insurance or switching your premiums – be careful.
There is a new scam out there that you should know about.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the OPP are warning us that several fake insurance premiums have been advertised in Ontario newspapers and online.
Victims of the fraud so far have identified the scammers as using the company names “Arthur and Son”, “Smith and Sons” and “Addison and Sons”.
Police say a red flag should go up if you notice unusually low rates and advertisement that everyone is accepted.
They say if you do end up paying your premium through Western Union or Money Gram, a phony insurance slip will be mailed or e-mailed afterward.
Police say this can be dangerous, because often, people aren’t aware their insurance isn’t valid until they are stopped by police, or worse, involved in a collision.
Legitimate insurance companies have to be registered in Ontario, and you can verify if they are to protect yourself.
You can do that by calling the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario, or the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.