Scam Alert - Insurance Benefit Information

"State Regulated Program To Pay Your Final Expenses" - Not What It Seems

LABELLE, FL. -- Florida residents are now receiving letters from Durant, OK advising "2013 New Special Benefits Update." What looks like a notice to advertise some type of special state benefit program is only a disguise to get your personal information in order to sell you burial insurance.

Inside the white envelope is a green card saying the recipient "may qualify for a state regulated program to pay for your final expenses..."  The card continues saying if you qualify for this benefit it will pay up to 100% of all funeral expenses.

But be aware the mailing from Benefits Processing Center in Durant, OK is actually a way to get your personal information, including your signature and age of yourself and your spouse along with your phone number.

If you send the info, be prepared to receive phone calls from sales people trying to sell you death insurance, sometimes called funeral insurance. One of the most expensive types of insurance, this outfit does not indicate on the mailing that it's actually trying to get your information in order to sell you an insurance policy.

They can mention "a state regulated program" on the mailing because all insurance companies selling policies in Florida are regulated by the Florida Insurance Commissioner's office.

But consumers should know this company is not offering any kind of program operated by the state, contrary to what they may lead you to believe.

The real clue is the disclaimer at the bottom of the mailing in small print "Not Affiliated With Any Government Agency."

Advice: If you want to purchase burial insurance contact your regular local insurance agent. Always compare costs and benefits with several companies before purchasing. Don't give out personal information blindly by mail or phone.