Insurance Department Hopes to Save Seniors from Fraud - KTEN.com - No One Gets You Closer

Insurance Department Hopes to Save Seniors from Fraud

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By Shannon McConathy, Reporter / Producer - email

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DURANT, OK -- Even if you are careful, it is still possible to end up as a victim of scammers. Insurance Commissioner John Doak is out to protect senior citizens and says there is one simple rule to remember.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and if those internal bells and whistles are going off, call us and ask for our consumer folks or our fraud folks and we'd be happy to help," said Doak.

The department of insurance is hosting a conference to teach seniors what they need to watch for so they can avoid being a victim.

"A lot of times they're feeling stress, of course, and the unknown of what's going to happen and they feel violated. I have met with consumers in their homes before and just reassured them that we're there to help," Amanda Riddle, a field representative with the Department said.

Riddle handles fraud cases in southern Oklahoma. The situation can be stressful, but her job is to be there.

"You walk into their homes and they're scared. They don't know where to go from here. By the end, they know we're there to help them and they have a smile on their face," said Riddle.

Whether scammers are targeting someone through the internet or directly at home, there are some things to remember if you fall for the scheme.

"Don't be afraid. One of the things that I don't like to see is if someone gets taken advantage of and they don't want to tell someone, they've been a victim and they need to talk to their local law enforcement and know they'll be very serious about it," said Commissioner Doak.

"The more information we have initially, the better our consumer assistance program can help them," Riddle said.

With free breakfast and free admission to the public, the insurance department says seniors can't afford to miss this information.

The seminar will be held Wednesday, September 26 at the Reynolds Community Center in Durant, OK. You can register online at www.ok.gov/oid/Public_Information/Events.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-300-763-2828.