Fraud and scam tactics continue to evolve, especially in industries that involve payments, financing, and multiple parties. Understanding how these attempts typically appear can help you recognize potential issues early and take the right next steps. 

This page outlines common fraud and scam types relevant to insurance payments and premium financing along with practical guidance on what to watch for and how IPFS helps protect you. 

Impersonation Attempts

Fraudsters may attempt to pose as IPFS associates, insurance agents, or other trusted contacts to gain information or redirect payments. 

Common indicators include: 
•    Emails or messages claiming to be from IPFS that create urgency. 
•    Requests that do not follow your normal communication patterns. 
•    Slight changes to names, email addresses, or contact information. 

If a request feels unfamiliar or inconsistent, it’s best to pause and verify before responding.

Payment Redirection Scams

These scams attempt to divert legitimate payments by providing altered or unauthorized payment instructions. 

Watch for: 
•    Requests to send payments using a new or unapproved method.
•    Changes to payment instructions without prior verification. 
•    Last-minute payment changes communicated outside of established processes. 

Important reminder: IPFS will never request payment through a new, unusual, or unapproved method. Payment options are established during account setup.

Requests for Sensitive Information 

Fraud attempts may seek login credentials or personal information under the guise of account verification or support. 

IPFS will never ask for: 
•    Full passwords or security credentials. 
•    Sensitive information through unsolicited email or text. 
•    Payment information without proper verification. 

If you receive a request that feels out of place, do not provide information until it has been confirmed.

Social Engineering Tactics

Some scams rely on manipulation rather than technical attacks. These attempts often leverage trust, urgency, or authority to prompt quick action. 

Common tactics include: 
•    Pressure to act immediately to avoid consequences. 
•    Messages that appear to come from familiar contacts but feel rushed. 
•    Requests framed as exceptions to normal processes. 

Taking a moment to verify can help prevent unintended action.

What You Can Do

If you encounter a situation that seems suspicious:

• Pause before responding or taking action.
• Verify requests through known, trusted contact methods.
  • Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive. 
  • Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support.

A quick check can help prevent larger issues.

Our Approach to Security 

IPFS continuously monitors for fraudulent activity and strengthens safeguards across our systems. Education, communication, and consistent processes are key parts of that effort. 

If something doesn’t look right, we encourage you to reach out. Early communication helps protect everyone involved. 

If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts. Suspicious activity does not always mean fraud has occurred, but taking quick, thoughtful action can help protect your account. This page outlines common warning signs and the steps you can take if you believe there may be a security or fraud-related concern.

Common Warning Signs

You may want to pause and verify if you notice any of the following:

• Unexpected requests to change payment methods or instructions.
• Messages creating urgency or pressure to act quickly.
• Payment requests that differ from what was established during account setup.
• Emails or messages with slight variations in sender names or contact details.
• Requests for sensitive or personal information that feel unusual.

If something feels different than what you typically experience with IPFS, it’s worth checking before taking action.

What to Do If You Suspect an Issue

If you believe there may be a problem, follow these steps:

1. Pause
   Do not send payment, click links, or provide information until the request is verified.
   
   
2. Contact IPFS
   • Agents: Reach out directly to your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
   • Insureds: Contact IPFS Support  for assistance.
   
   Your IPFS team can help confirm whether the communication or request is legitimate and advise on next steps.
   
   
3. Preserve Information
   Keep any emails, messages, or payment requests related to the concern. This information may be helpful during review.

What Happens Next? 

Once you contact IPFS:

• Our team will review the situation carefully.
• We will work with you to determine whether further action is needed.
• If necessary, additional safeguards may be put in place to protect your account.

Reporting a concern does not mean fraud has occurred. Many issues are resolved quickly with simple verification.

Our Commitment to You

IPFS actively monitors for suspicious activity and continuously strengthens security across our systems. Just as importantly, we believe communication and education are key to preventing fraud. If something doesn’t look right, reaching out early helps protect everyone involved.

Protecting your account starts with a few simple, consistent habits. While IPFS maintains strong security measures across our systems, your awareness and actions also play an important role. 

This page outlines practical best practices to help protect your information, payments, and accounts when interacting online.

Keep Payment Processes Consistent 

One of the most effective ways to prevent fraud is consistency. 

Best practices include:

• Using only the payment methods established during account setup.
• Treating unexpected payment changes as a signal to verify.
• Pausing and confirming if a request looks different than usual.

Remember, IPFS will never request payment through a new or unapproved method.

Verify Before You Act

Fraud attempts often rely on urgency. Taking a moment to verify can make a meaningful difference. 

Helpful habits:

• Confirm requests using known contact information.
• Be cautious of messages that pressure immediate action.
• Reach out if something feels unclear or inconsistent.

A quick check can prevent larger issues.

Protect Your Login Information 

Keeping login details secure helps protect your account. 

Things to keep in mind:

• Never share passwords or access credentials.
• Use strong, unique passwords where applicable.
• Be cautious when accessing accounts on shared or public devices.

If you believe login information may be compromised, contact IPFS immediately.

Be Mindful of Emails and Links 

Not all messages are what they appear to be. 

Good practices include:

• Reviewing sender details carefully.
• Avoiding links or attachments from unexpected messages.
• Navigating directly to known websites instead of clicking links.

If an email or message feels off, it’s worth verifying.

Know When to Reach Out

You don’t need to be certain something is wrong to ask a question.
      • Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
      • Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support.

Early communication can help resolve concerns quickly and prevent issues from escalating.

Our Shared Commitment to Security

Security is most effective when it’s proactive, consistent, and collaborative. IPFS is committed to maintaining secure systems and clear processes, while supporting agents and insureds every step of the way. 

If something doesn’t look right, reaching out early helps protect everyone involved. 

Fraudulent emails and messages are one of the most common ways scams begin. These communications are often designed to look legitimate, using familiar names, logos, or language to prompt quick action. 

This page helps you recognize suspicious emails, payment requests, and messages claiming to be from IPFS, and explains what to do if you receive one.

How Fraudulent Communications Often Appear

Suspicious messages may arrive by email, text, or other digital channels and often share similar characteristics.

Common red flags include: 

• Unexpected payment requests or instructions.
• Messages that create urgency or pressure you to act quickly.
• Requests that differ from established payment processes.
• Slight variations in sender names, email addresses, or domains.
• Links or attachments you were not expecting.

Even well-crafted messages can contain subtle inconsistencies. When it doubt, pause and verify.

What to Know About IPFS Communications

Understanding what to expect from IPFS can help you spot potential issues more quickly.

IPFS will:

• Communicate through established, professional channels.
• Follow payment processes set up during account onboarding.
• Encourage verification if something feels unclear. 

IPFS will never:

• Request payment through a new, unusual, or unapproved method.
• Ask for full passwords or sensitive credentials.
• Pressure you to act immediately without verification.

If a message does not align with these expectations, it may not be legitimate.

Common Types or Fraudulent Messages

Payment-Related Emails or Requests

These messages attempt to redirect payments or introduce new payment instructions.

Impersonation Messages

Messages that appear to come from IPFS representatives, agents, or trusted contacts but use altered contact information. 

Urgent or Threatening Language

Communications that claim immediate action is required to avoid consequences or disruptions.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message

If you receive an email or message that seems questionable:

• Do not click links or download attachments.
• Do not reply or provide information.
• Verify the request through trusted channels:
  • Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
  • Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support.
• Keep the message for reference in case it is needed for review. 

Reporting a message does not mean that fraud has occurred. Many situations are resolved quickly after verification.

Our Commitment to Clear Communication

IPFS works continuously to strengthen security and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity. Clear communication and education are essential parts of that effort. 

If something doesn’t look right, taking a moment to verify helps protect your account and the broader IPFS community. 

Below are answers to common security and fraud related questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or something feels unclear, your IPFS team is always available to help.

How does IPFS protect my information?

IPFS uses established security measures and internal controls designed to protect account information and payment activity. We continuously monitor our systems and processes, updating safeguards as needed to address evolving risks.

How can I tell if a message claiming to be from IPFS is legitimate?

Legitimate IPFS communications follow established processes and do not pressure you to act immediately. IPFS will never request payment through a new or unapproved method or ask for sensitive information through unsolicited messages. 

If something feels unusual, pause and verify before responding.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious email or payment request?

Do not click links, download attachments, or send payment. 

Instead:

• Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
• Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support .

Your IPFS team can help confirm whether the request is legitimate and advise on next steps.

Does reporting a concern mean fraud has occurred?

No. Reporting a concern does not mean fraud has occurred. Many situations are resolved quickly through simple verification. We encourage early communication whenever something doesn’t look right.

What information will IPFS never ask for?

IPFS will never ask you for:

• Full passwords or login credentials.
• Sensitive personal information through unsolicited email or text.
• Payment information without proper verification.

If you receive a request for this information, do not respond directly.

Who should agents contact if they have a security concern?

Agents should always contact their dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive . Your representative can help review the situation and guide next steps.

Who should insureds contact if they have a concern?

Insureds should contact IPFS Support  for assistance. Our team can help review communications, payment questions, or account-related concerns.

What if I’m not sure whether something is a security issue?

You don’t need to be certain before reaching out. If something feels unusual or unclear, contacting IPFS for verification is the right step.

How quickly does IPFS respond to reported concerns?

IPFS takes all reported concerns seriously and works to review and address them as quickly as possible. Response times may vary depending on the situation, but early communication helps ensure timely resolution.

Still Have Questions?

If you have additional questions or concerns related to security or fraud:

• Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
• Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support.

This glossary provides clear, plain-language definitions of common security and fraud-related terms referenced throughout the IPFS Security Center. 

Fraud
Deceptive activity intended to obtain money, information, or access through false or misleading actions. 

Scam
A type of fraud that often relies on manipulation, urgency, or impersonation to prompt someone to take action. 

Impersonation
When someone pretends to be a trusted individual or organization, such as an IPFS associate or insurance agent, to gain information and redirect payments. 

Payment Redirection
An attempt to change legitimate payment instructions so funds are sent to an unauthorized account. 

Social Engineering
A tactic that uses psychological manipulation, rather than technical methods, to influence someone into sharing information or acting. 

Phishing
Fraudulent emails or messages are designed to appear legitimate to collect sensitive information or prompt unsafe actions. 

Fraudulent Communication
Any email, message, or request that falsely claims to be from IPFS or another trusted party. 

Sensitive Information
Information that should be protected, such as passwords, login credentials, or personal identification details. 

Verification
The process of confirming that a request, message, or payment instruction is legitimate before acting.

Account Setup
The initial process during which payment methods and account details are established and approved. 

Unapproved Payment Method
Any payment method or instruction that was not established during account setup or verified through proper IPFS processes. 

Urgency Tactics
Language or behavior intended to pressure immediate action, often used in fraudulent communication to prevent verification. 

Secure Channel
A trusted and verified method of communication used by IPFS, such as established email domains or known contact information. 

IPFS Representative
An IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive who serves as a primary point of contact for agents. 

IPFS Support
The IPFS team that assists insureds with account questions, payment concerns, or security-related inquiries. 

Need Help Understanding a Term?
If you have questions about any of the terms listed above or need further clarification:

• Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
• Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support.

The IPFS Security Center is here to keep you informed, prepared, and confident. In addition to our core guidance, we provide supplemental resources, updates, and official notices to help agents and insureds stay current on security and fraud best practices. 

Official Notices

IPFS occasionally publishes official notices related to security, account management, and payments. These notices may include:

• System updates or enhancements.
• Security reminders or advisories.
• Changes to processes that affect agents and insureds.

All official IPFS notices are communicated through verified channels. If you receive a message that looks different, pause and verify with your IPFS representative. 

External Resources

For additional guidance and best practices, you may also consider trusted industry and governmental resources:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Consumer Information
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) – Alerts and Guidance
• Insurance Information Institute – Fraud Awareness

These resources provide general guidance that complements IPFS’s internal security measures. 

Staying Informed

Security is an ongoing effort. Bookmark this page, review notices, and check resources regularly to stay informed about the latest threats, updates, and recommendations. Consistent awareness is one of the simplest ways to protect your accounts and information. 

Need Assistance?
If you have questions about any notices or resources:

• Agents: Contact your dedicated IPFS Account Executive or Sales Executive.
• Insureds: Reach out to IPFS Support through the form below or by calling
  National Service Center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm local time  across all U.S. time zones