Scam Alert: Fake Prospects Targeting Insurance Agents Through Zoom

Insurance agents are reporting a new scam making the rounds in industry forums.

Emails received by agents appear to come from prospective clients looking for help with insurance coverage, making them easy to mistake for legitimate sales opportunities.

Here’s how you can stay vigilant.

What the Insurance Lead Phishing Scam Looks Like

The “prospect” may ask for assistance with marketplace plans, auto insurance, or another type of coverage.

You may receive a message similar to:

“Hello. I am looking for health coverage in [state] and would like to review my options. Are you able to assist with [product] plans? Please let me know what information you need from me to receive a comparison of plans.”

We understand this looks like a completely harmless email with the potential for a closed sale. However, engaging can lead to very real consequences.

Red Flags to Watch For

A good rule of thumb is to always be suspicious of unsolicited messages from unfamiliar prospects or email addresses. While it may seem like a routine lead, it could be an attempt to compromise your device.

In this specific instance, stay weary of:

• A request to schedule a Zoom meeting immediately
• A sender insisting that you use their meeting link
• If you notice one or more of these warning signs, it’s best to delete the email

Actions You Can Take

If you’re confident the email is a phishing attempt, delete it right away. If you’re not sure and choose to respond to the email, take caution.

Here’s what you can do to avoid falling victim to the Zoom insurance assistance scam:

• Send your own Zoom or other meeting link to the prospect. If it’s a scam, they likely won’t respond.
• Ignore and delete the email.

Here’s what not to do:

• Click on a Zoom link from an unknown sender.
• The fake Zoom link might download harmful malware to your device, allowing scammers to view your device remotely and access protected health information.

For now, the best thing to do is remain cautious to protect both your business and your clients’ information.

Ritter is committed to help keep your business safe and successful. Partner with us today for our first-rate sales support and technology!