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The phenomenon of insurance scams
In recent years, car insurance scams have taken on alarming proportions in Italy. According to a recent survey, more than 1.5 million Italians were victims of fraud or attempted fraud while buying their RC car policy, with a total economic damage that exceeds 620 million euros. The most common ways of deception include phishing emails, fake call centers, and deceptive messages, but the risk is not limited to the digital world.
In fact, almost 20% of scams take place in person, highlighting the need for greater awareness among consumers
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Who is most affected by scams?
Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just the elderly who fall into the traps of scammers. The most vulnerable age groups are those between 25 and 34 years old, followed by young people between the ages of 18 and 24. This could be due to a lower awareness of the dangers or to the economic pressure that pushes young people to seek more advantageous offers. In addition, the level of education plays a significant role: graduates turn out to be more exposed than the average, suggesting that knowledge does not always protect against deception
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How to recognize an insurance scam
Recognizing the warning signs of an insurance scam is critical to protecting your money. Experts recommend paying attention to common practices used by fraudsters, such as the rush to get contracts signed, lack of transparency and abnormal payment requests. It is essential to always verify that the company or intermediary is authorized by consulting the official Ivass records. In addition, it is important to make payments only to accounts in the name of the company or to the authorized intermediary, avoiding recharges on prepaid
cards.
Preventive measures to take
To avoid nasty surprises, it is essential to take preventive measures. Before taking out a policy, it is advisable to read all contractual documents carefully and verify the presence of the RUI registration number. If you have any doubts, contacting the Ivass Contact Center can provide useful clarifications. Awareness and preparation are your best weapons against insurance scams, and following these simple tips can make all the difference in protecting your assets
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