Prichard Resident Scammed by Fake Insurance Agent, Warns Others to Stay Vigilant

A Prichard resident, Ontario Johnson, fell victim to a fraudulent insurance scheme after receiving a cancellation notice from Progressive, revealing that the policy she thought she had was unauthorized.

Johnson recounted how she had interacted with a woman claiming to be an insurance agent through mutual acquaintances in her local community. Payments were made through CashApp, amounting to $150 upfront for what was supposed to be a $500 policy.

Upon realizing the scam, Johnson promptly reported the incident to the Prichard Police, seeking recourse for the financial loss she had incurred.

Dusty Smith, a Consumer Services Division Manager at the Alabama Department of Insurance, emphasized the importance of vigilance when dealing with insurance agents and urged consumers to verify the legitimacy of individuals before making any payments.

The Alabama Department of Insurance encourages individuals who suspect foul play to reach out for assistance, either through their website or by utilizing the chat feature available for a prompt response.