CEU.com Blog

An unusually targeted identity theft scam has been uncovered this summer. People posing as insurance industry regulators are calling agents and telling them they’ve committed some sort of infraction. The scammers then demand payment (of the alleged “penalties” or other bogus fees) over the phone via credit card. If the agent refuses to give up the credit card information, the scammer threatens the agent with the loss of his or her license. In some instances, the caller even asks the agent for his or her social security number and date of birth, making identity theft that much easier. 

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On June 17, 2009, the Treasury Department issued a white paper called “Financial Regulatory Reform: A New Foundation.” This paper had been eagerly anticipated, as it was expected to outline the administration’s position on insurance industry oversight. Specifically, some insurance insiders thought the Treasury Department might propose a federal-level insurance industry regulator.

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There’s a show on Fox called Lie to Me. Have you seen it? It’s about an expert who’s able to read the most subtle cues in facial expressions and body language, so that he can tell with great accuracy whether or not someone is lying. Of course, he uses that skill to solve crimes and get involved in all kinds of intrigue.

That’s some skill. Are you a little envious? I mean, wouldn’t that be great to be able to know what people are really thinking when they are talking to you? There might be a few highly trained pros in the world who have really honed their skills at spotting liars to that level, but really, it isn’t necessary for most of us. I’d hope it’s not required in the insurance business, anyway. But studying and understanding subtle, non-verbal communication cues at some level can help you avoid confusion and work better with your clients and fellow agents.
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Has this ever happened to you? You’ve had a negative experience with a company. Maybe you’re even a little mad. Maybe really mad. You call them up to try to deal with the problem, and you get an excellent customer service representative on the other end. You’re treated with respect and courtesy, and your problem gets solved. How does that change your attitude?Maybe that has actually happened to you, or maybe it’s just what you wish would happen. Either way, you know that a positive customer service experience can change your opinion about a business. One good customer service employee can change you from a disgruntled (probably “former”) customer into someone who might be happy to do business with them again.One properly trained, positive person can make the difference. And that’s the case in every customer interaction – whether that customer is satisfied, disgruntled, or, perhaps most important, potential.
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For almost ten years, CEU.com has offered continuing education courses to insurance professionals via the Internet. People who work as adjusters or agents in the insurance industry are required to take these courses in order to maintain their licensing, and having the ability to take the courses online, day or night, allows students to make the most efficient use of their time. Online continuing education has proven to be a practical and cost-effective breakthrough, and now CEU.com is pleased to add another dimension to their online courses – downloadable audio podcasts.
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