Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of illegal "agent refund" schemes in the insurance industry, which mislead consumers into believing they can recover their premiums through unauthorized channels, leading to financial losses and potential legal issues [1][5][12]. Summary by Sections Consumer Experiences - A 73-year-old woman from Chongqing fell victim to an illegal "agent refund" scam after being misled by a lawyer's claims of high refund rates [2]. - The victim paid a service fee of 4,000 yuan to the scammers, who promised a 90% refund of her premium, significantly higher than the normal rate [3]. - After realizing the scam, the victim was able to recover her service fee with the help of the insurance company and law enforcement [4]. Nature of the Scam - Financial black and gray market organizations exploit consumers' lack of knowledge about their rights and the refund process, often using false claims and fabricated documents to pressure insurance companies into paying excessive refunds [5][6]. - Victims often incur high fees without successfully obtaining refunds, and they risk losing their insurance coverage and personal information [6][7]. Legal and Regulatory Actions - The article discusses a case in Quanzhou where a criminal gang was convicted of extortion related to "agent refund" schemes, resulting in significant financial losses for insurance companies [8]. - Regulatory bodies emphasize that any complaints must be truthful and not fabricated, as malicious complaints can lead to legal consequences for the complainants [9][12]. Industry Response - Financial regulatory authorities are enhancing collaboration with law enforcement to combat illegal "agent refund" activities, including sharing information and conducting joint operations [10][11]. - The use of technology, such as big data and intelligent models, is being implemented to improve the identification and handling of these scams [11]. Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest that clearer legal definitions and regulations regarding illegal "agent refund" practices are necessary to facilitate enforcement and protect consumers [12]. - Financial institutions are encouraged to strengthen internal controls and self-regulation to prevent employees from facilitating illegal activities [13].
合力打击“代理退保”黑灰产
Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-09-30 00:26