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Some states' Department of Insurance websites were hacked in recent years and agent information was altered for agents who had not actively written new business for an extended period of time. Identity theft continues to be a growing problem in many industries, but the life insurance underwriter is continually challenged to uncover this type of scenario.
In one such scheme, the imposter obtains personal identifying information of agents who appear to be relatively inactive for several years. Contact information, such as address and telephone information, is then changed on the agent database. At that point the identity thief either applies for appointment with a new carrier using the identifying information of the inactive licensed agent and false contact information, or contacts a carrier for which the inactive agent is currently appointed and then changes contact information and EFT information for commission deposits.
Next, the imposter begins to submit life insurance applications for individuals whose identities are stolen or who will accept money to have their identities used. On the application, the name, date of birth and Social Security number are legitimate but the remainder of the application information will be bogus and include false information on exams, etc. from substitute-insureds. The applicants are approved by the underwriter, the policy is issued and the initial premium payment is received. The imposter agent is paid commissions via EFT within a day or two after receipt. Shortly thereafter, the initial premium is returned as account closed, not found or insufficient funds. Although a chargeback action may be initiated against the agent for the commissions paid, the likelihood of recovery is very slim. Subsequent investigation also becomes lengthy as the agent whose identity was stolen enters the interview and investigation process.
How can companies combat agent identity theft? First of all, wait until you receive confirmation that a check has cleared before paying commissions. This is a simple defense, but many companies don’t utilize it. Also, if a producer hasn’t written any business with your company in recent years and suddenly starts doing so, direct a company marketing or agency contact to make a personal visit to the producer to get reacquainted and update commission schedules, etc.
Other red flags indicating possible agent identity theft include:
Back to the topic of a state's DOI website - companies are encouraged to establish a person or team to review state sites monthly for fraud/criminal activity information. Companies should consider establishing a database for the states in which the company is licensed and check the DOI sites monthly. All producers cited for disciplinary action should be cross-checked against the company’s licensed producer list, to help in deciding how best to handle business from such producers. The same should be done for producers who want to become newly licensed with a company.
Companies should be cautious to understand and avoid situations of producer fronting or "Ghost Writing." This happens when a producer’s license is revoked but he or she finds a way to continue to earn revenue for insurance sales by utilizing another producer, or by having a spouse, adult child or business associate become licensed to sell insurance products. In those instances, the person whose license was suspended continues to solicit clients for insurance sales and indirectly receives compensation for such, but he or she hands clients off to a licensed producer to complete the application process and interact with the insurance company.
