Authorities in Edmonton are warning residents of an insurance “broker” suspected to have stolen a total of over $10,000 from eight victims.
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) received a report on June 20 from a citizen that purchased auto insurance from a local broker called Almarta Brokers. The citizen told police that when they went to contact the broker to update their information, they were informed that they did not have insurance coverage with a provider.
Since then, seven other citizen reports were made to the authorities, all reporting about fake auto insurance purchased from brokers going by the same name.
“In each case, correspondence with the brokers reportedly took place via emails and text messages only, payment was completed via e-transfer and complainants received insurance documents that looked identical to those from a valid insurance provider,” an EPS release said.
Police suspect that over $10,000 in insurance payments were pocketed by Almarta Brokers, Global News reported. The law enforcement unit has invited anyone who may have been in contact or scammed by Almarta Brokers to contact them.
EPS has also offered a reminder that most auto insurance brokers will be able to speak with clients in person, online or via phone, and that insurance providers typically accept payment monthly or yearly only through direct debit card or credit card.
