Consumer Alert: Potential Home Warranty Scam Affecting Wisconsin Consumers
Madison, WI—The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is alerting Wisconsin consumers of a potential scam involving home warranty contracts issued by Secure Home Warranty (Secure).
In 2016, Secure began marketing home warranties to Wisconsin consumers online without the necessary certificate of authority to operate as a warrantor/warranty plan operator or a property service contract provider in Wisconsin.
Over the past year, OCI received five complaints against Secure containing various allegations, including failing or refusing to pay claims and attempted unauthorized credit card charges.
OCI sent multiple inquiries to Secure requesting a written response to the complaints, which were either unanswered or returned by the post office as undeliverable.
Based on OCI's preliminary investigation, OCI issued an order against Secure on February 13, 2018, requesting them to cease and desist from operating in Wisconsin and to provide OCI with a list of all policies sold in the state in the past three years. This order was also returned to OCI by the post office as undeliverable.
Contact OCI.
Wisconsin consumers who purchased home warranties from Secure may file a complaint with OCI, which will assist ongoing investigations.
Prevent yourself from being a victim of fraud.
The best way to protect yourself from insurance fraud is to research the agent and company you are considering.
Stop before paying for anything, signing any paperwork, or providing any personal information.
Confirm the company and agent are licensed to operate in Wisconsin. Licensing information can be found on OCI's website at
oci.wi.gov, or by calling OCI at 1-800-236-8517.
Created by the Legislature in 1870, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.