
Scammers are using fake final expense insurance mailers to target seniors, often with false promises of free or low-cost life insurance.
These mailers typically feature attractive premiums and benefits, but they're usually not what they seem.
Seniors often receive these mailers in the mail, and some may even be convinced to purchase the insurance without doing their research.
The mailers often include a "free" or "no-cost" offer that seems too good to be true, which it usually is.
Scam Mailers Targeting Seniors
Scam mailers targeting seniors are a real concern, especially when it comes to final expense insurance. These mailers often claim to offer coverage without requiring any questions or medical exams, which is a red flag.
Some scammers may even use a familiar-sounding insurance company name to gain your trust. Be cautious of any mailer that seems too good to be true, as it probably is. If you're interested in final expense insurance, compare quotes from a reputable source instead of trusting all mailers.
Report any suspicious mailers to your local police, state Attorney General's office, and the FTC to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.
Scam Calls Targeting Seniors

Scam calls targeting seniors are a real concern, and it's essential to be aware of the tactics used by scammers. They often contact you via robocall, asking if you're interested in covering 100% of your final expenses.
Fraudsters may claim to be working with a legitimate company and offer a "no questions asked" insurance policy that will cover 100% of funeral expenses. This is often a robocall recording that connects to a live agent if you request a quote.
One of the warning signs that this is a scam is that final expense and life insurance companies do not typically cold call. It's wise to be suspicious of any unwarranted calls from someone claiming to sell insurance.
The scam works similarly to car insurance or health insurance scams, where the fraudsters will claim to be working with a "legitimate company" that has an offer that is too good to be true. They may promise a "no questions asked" insurance policy that will cover 100% of funeral expenses.
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You can report a final expense insurance scam to your local police, state Attorney General's office, and the FTC. Call-blocking apps, including those powered by TNS Call Guardian, are also a great resource for reporting and blocking unwanted robocalls.
It's always a good idea to research anyone who contacts you, and they should be on LinkedIn. The insurance company they are with should also be easy to find.
Beneficiaries Scam
This scam is particularly cruel because it targets people who are already grieving. The scammers will often use a fake policy number and a fake company name to make their story more believable.
Types of Scams
Final expense insurance scams come in various forms, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Some scams involve mailers sent to seniors offering coverage without requiring any questions or medical exams.
Fraudsters may claim to work with a familiar insurance company, but this can be a lie to obtain personal information. This type of scam can result in significant financial losses for the victim.
Scams can also occur when an insured, policyholder, or beneficiary intentionally withholds or falsifies information. This deceitfulness can lead to increased monthly premium amounts, costing the average family up to $700 annually.
Hospice Fraud

Hospice Fraud is a serious issue that can affect seniors and their families. Some hospice companies may use deceptive tactics to sign up Medicare recipients, offering them at-home care and food preparation under the guise of "palliative care", but it's really hospice.
This type of care is only for people not expected to live more than six months. Some seniors are tricked into signing up only to be stopped when picking up prescriptions, which signal Medicare to the fact that the beneficiary is not terminally ill.
The enticements used by these companies can be convincing, but it's essential to be aware of the warning signs. Hospice care is not a substitute for regular medical care, and Medicare recipients should be cautious of any company that promises too much.
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Billing Scams
Billing scams are a serious concern, especially for Medicare recipients. Someone may be using your information to get services from a scam if you unwittingly shared personal information to a scammer in the past.

Reviewing your Medicare account regularly is crucial to detect fraud before it's too late. You should check the services your account is being billed for to ensure everything is legitimate.
It's surprising how easily personal information can be compromised, and once it's out there, it can be used for malicious purposes.
Premium and Coverage Fraud
Premium and coverage fraud is a type of scam that targets seniors with final expense insurance. This scam involves an "agent" asking a series of questions mimicking a medical questionnaire to get your personal information.
The scammer will then pocket the monthly premium instead of providing a legitimate policy. Your beneficiaries will be left with nothing, and the fake agent will keep the premiums for themselves.
Final expense insurance scams can cost an average family up to $700 annually in increased monthly premium amounts. This is a significant financial burden that can be avoided by being cautious and doing your research.
To protect yourself from this scam, review the policy you agree to carefully and determine if it's legitimate. Don't fall for the tricks of scammers who are only looking to make a quick profit.
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Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious concern, especially when dealing with insurance scams. Identity thieves will often pretend to be from your insurance provider and ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number or credit card information.
Always verify who you're speaking with before providing any personal info. Ask for validation or request to continue working with your original agent to prevent identity theft.
Shady insurance agents can take your signature and use it to make unwanted changes to your policy or add riders without your knowledge. Most agents are honest and take their roles seriously, but it's still crucial to be cautious.
Review your policy carefully when you submit your application, and keep an eye on your account charges to ensure you're not being overcharged.
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What Happens When You Send the Card Back?
You'll likely receive a barrage of phone calls, postcards, and mailers from insurance agents trying to sell you life insurance and other benefits.

These agents are trying to make a sale off of you, and they'll keep calling and sending mail until they get tired or you take action.
You become a "lead" after submitting your personal information, and leads like yours are sold over and over again to insurance agents hoping to make a sale.
The calls and mailers won't stop right away, and you might think you've finally escaped the chaos, but your personal information has been sold again to another person or company.
This means you'll likely get a new wave of calls and mailers, and the cycle will continue unless you take steps to stop it.
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Fake Agents & Websites
Fake agents and websites are a big part of the final expense insurance scam targeting seniors. They'll set up websites claiming to be insurance sales agents or a team of agents looking for personal information.
Scammers will often use phishing tactics to get your information. They'll pretend to be from a reputable source through a messaging platform, asking for information that can be used to access your accounts.
These scammers just want your information to use for their gain, they're not even selling you anything.
Understanding Insurance Programs

State regulated final expense life insurance means the company selling the product has met the requirements to do so in your state.
Life insurance carriers must meet specific regulations to sell life insurance in your state, which is regulated by the state.
You can check the consumer protection division for your state to find out if a life insurance product is legit.
If you're unsure about a life insurance product, chances are it's a scam targeting unsuspecting senior citizens.
Shred the form or throw it out if you receive a suspicious life insurance offer in the mail.
Staying Informed and Making Decisions
If you're considering final expense insurance, remember that legitimate companies will never ask for your social security number or credit card information until the application process.
To verify an agent's identity, ask for their license number or National Producer Number (NPN). If they refuse or are reluctant to give this information, it's a red flag.

Legitimate insurance companies will not contact you directly to inform you of a missed payment or try to have you correct it over the phone. Call the insurance company directly if you suspect you missed a payment.
If you're dealing with a life insurance policy or final expense insurance, it's essential to inform the insurance company first if your loved one has passed away. Legitimate companies will never contact you without notice, but scammers might.
Here are some key differences between legitimate and scam life insurance companies:
Stay Informed
Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself from scams. Life insurance scams are a common threat, and knowing what to watch out for can save you from becoming a victim.
Legitimate life insurance websites never ask for your social security number or credit card information - that's reserved for the application process.
If an agent is hesitant to share their license number or National Producer Number (NPN), that's a red flag. These numbers are meant to be verified by the insurance company.

Insurance companies will never contact you to inform you of a missed payment and try to have you correct it over the phone. If you suspect you've missed a payment, call the insurance company directly.
When a loved one passes away, the insurance company must be informed first before contacting beneficiaries. Legitimate companies will never contact you without notice.
Death benefits can only be given if the policyholder made all payments up to their death. Companies will never tell you that a premium payment is necessary to receive death benefits.
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Is It Worth It?
Final expense insurance can be a worthwhile investment for many seniors, especially those in poor health or who were previously turned down for life insurance.
It doesn't require a medical exam, which can be a relief for those who are anxious about medical tests.
You can even qualify for final expense insurance without answering any health questions.
This makes it a more accessible option for those who may not have been able to get traditional life insurance.
The lack of a medical exam also means that the application process is often faster and less complicated.
This can be a big plus for seniors who are short on time or have other health concerns to attend to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the funeral expenses scam?
**Funeral Expenses Scam:** A scam where imposters pretend to be from a funeral home, threatening to cancel the funeral unless the grieving family pays more money immediately. Be cautious of such calls and verify the caller's identity with the funeral home directly.
Sources
- https://smartfinancial.com/medicare-scams
- https://tnsi.com/resource/com/elderly-fall-victim-too-good-be-true-final-expense-insurance-blog/
- https://finalexpensebenefits.org/7-most-common-life-insurance-scams/
- https://finalexpensedirect.com/be-wary-of-t-2-form/
- https://oig.ssa.gov/congressional-testimony/2001-07-26-newsroom-congressional-testimony-misleading-mailings-targeted-seniors/
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