But, it was enough government looking verbiage that it caused consumers, to call BBB and get more information.
The mailer, typically referred to as an insurance lead card, is sent to residents in a particular region. In this case, the company is targeting residents age 50-85, claiming they may qualify for the Funeral Advantage Program (underwritten by Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Co.) that pays cash to the family in the event of death.
It makes a broad claim that thousands of Pennsylvania residents have been accepted for this program that helps pay for funeral and any other final expenses.
This is a solicitation for an insurance company, and allows them to contact you and make a presentation about insurance.
If you fill out the form, and are looking for insurance, remember to look at all aspects of the plan. Determine if the proposed coverage meets your insurance needs.
Prepaying for a funeral has advantages, as well as risks. If you choose to prepay, make a well-informed decision, carefully research your options and know your rights. You can always make plans in advance, without prepaying. Be sure to share your specific wishes with those close to you.
BBB offers tips to consumers receiving unsolicited requests for personal information:
- Be wary of providing personal information to anyone through the mail. That information can be sold and resold to other parties. In some cases, people selling a variety of products may contact consumers repeatedly. The information also could be used to steal your identity.
- Scrutinize carefully any mailing that appears to be from a government agency. Some private companies will use names and language that hide the true nature of their business. Look for any disclaimer, even in the fine print; indicating the mailing is not from a government agency.
- If you have any question about a mailing or other solicitation, contact the BBB at 800-218-1001 or at www.bbb.org. The BBB also offers Reliability Reports on companies.
It is sad but scam artists often prey on the vulnerable. Fraudsters artists probably get the names of their victims from obituaries published online or in local newspapers.
Leading insurance scam is the delinquent life insurance premium ploy has an “insurance agent” phoning the surviving spouse, with an alleged funeral home employee. The widower is told his wife’s life insurance premium is delinquent and $3,000 is due. He asks for a credit card to make a partial premium payment and to wire the remaining amount.
Older Americans are advised to check with www.bbb.org whenever contacted by an unknown person or business demanding payment for an unfamiliar product or service.