ROCKLAND — Rockland police have been alerted by a leading insurance company about a new scam that is targeting victims who have recently lost a family member. According to Bruce Boucher, Rockland Police Chief, during the last eight months this insurance company has received many complaints from people who have been called by individuals falsely representing employees of insurance companies.

These "employees" inform the targeted victims that their recently deceased family member had a life insurance policy which lapsed for non-payment of premiums.The victims are told that if they immediately pay the overdue premium then the policy would be reinstated and life insurance benefits would be paid directly to them.The scammers have suggested different monetary amounts but the standard request is for the targeted victim to pay the premium with five $500 Green Dot cards.

The telephone numbers that are being used to perpetrate these scams have originated from Alabama.The Georgia Department of Insurance is investigating several of these complaints.

Individuals who think they have been targeted should contact their local law enforcement or the Rockland Police at 594-0316.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com