Hamm advises seniors to be wary of designations in advertisements Posted on 9/9/2008
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm advises consumers to be on alert for misuse of credentials and designations in advertisements aimed at seniors. The advisement comes amid a nationwide increase in insurance product marketing directed at seniors.
"Insurance agents in North Dakota are responsible in working with seniors," Hamm said. "I want consumers to be aware of this national trend before it becomes an issue here."
He said words like certified, accredited, retirement planner, senior advisor and senior consultant imply that insurance companies and agents have special training or are experts on the subject and, oftentimes, that's not the case.
Hamm released a bulletin today outlining the limits of state law regarding marketing insurance products to seniors.
"Protecting seniors is one of my top priorities," Hamm said. "Agents and companies that misrepresent their level of expertise are subject to penalties, including the loss of their licenses."
For more information, contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1-800-247-0560 or insurance@nd.gov.
