TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario has recently experienced a number of calls from people who have been caught in an automobile insurance scam.

Newspaper ads have been placed in several Ontario cities newspapers advertising "Auto Insurance" and to call a "1-800" number. The perpetrators of the scheme typically place the newspaper ads for about a week and then move onto another city and newspaper using a different "1-800" number and a new business name. Names used so far have included Arthur and Son, Interprovincial, Smith and Son and Addison.

The victim is then directed to send the insurance premium by Western Union. The victim does not receive any policy and if they call the "1-800" number, it is out of service. No valid insurance coverage has been placed.

People should exercise caution when purchasing their insurance and make certain they are dealing with a legitimate Insurance Broker or Agent.

Any persons who may have been caught by the above scam, please call the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario.

For further information: Telephone number: (416) 365-1900, 1-800-265-3098, Email: Barbara@ribo.com