The head of the state's insurance watchdog agency has started an investigation into agents scamming soldiers at Georgia's military bases.
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John Oxendine, Georgia's insurance and safety fire commissioner, said his office is communicating with the state's military bases, including Fort Gordon, to prevent soldiers from being taken advantage of.
Mr. Oxendine's scrutiny comes after an article published in The New York Times last week examined a problem of young soldiers' being sold high-cost mutual funds and life insurance ill-suited to their needs.
The newspaper reported that the companies had taken advantage of young soldiers by selling them insurance policies that have steep premiums for relatively small amounts of coverage.
"It's entirely deplorable someone would try to profit off those who risk their lives to protect our freedom," Mr. Oxendine said. "It's not tolerated in the state of Georgia.
"Keep in mind, a lot of these folks are kids right out of school, fixing to be shipped out to the most dangerous locations in the world, and they are vulnerable and taken advantage of," Mr. Oxendine said.
Marla Jones, the deputy public affairs officer at Fort Gordon, said the issue hasn't been a problem at the local Army post. The post controls who solicits on its grounds, she said, and solicitors must have a permit issued by post officials.
If there is wrongdoing, post officials can revoke the licenses, or the matter could go to the post's Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board, she said.
The board is an investigative committee that works to protect the interests and welfare of service members off post. When a soldier reports an off-post business regarding unethical or unsatisfactory conditions or business practices, the board investigates.
If the business fails to address the complaint, the establishment, through procedures, can be declared off-limits to military personnel.
Soldiers can go through their chain-of-command to report any insurance scams, or they can call the state, Ms. Jones said.
State sanctions against agents engaging in questionable practices involving the soldiers include license revocation and even criminal charges, Mr. Oxendine said. He said companies found involved in those practices could also face license revocation or fines.
Reach Jeremy Craig at (706) 823-3409 or jeremy.craig@augustachronicle.com.
TO REPORT INSURANCE FRAUD OR SCAMS
To report questionable, unethical, fraudulent or illegal practices by insurance agents, call the Office of the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner toll-free at (800) 656-2298.
