Ohio warns about auto insurance phone scam

12/1/2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio Department of Insurance is warning about a telephone scam targeting auto insurance customers.

Department director Mary Jo Hudson said Monday that victims are receiving calls saying their insurance payment can't be processed and that they'll need to provide their bank account number as well as other personal information to resolve the problem.

Hudson says in today's economy, phone scams are becoming more prevalent, and consumers need to be on guard or risk falling prey to identity thieves.

She says be very careful when anyone other than your insurance agent contacts you about your policy. Also, if you're suspicious about a caller, insist on getting a name and telephone number and don't give the person your financial or other personal information.