Fla. Agency Hit with Second Suspension

In another case involving John Beck Insurance Inc., in Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Financial Services has suspended the insurance license of Anna Mack for reportedly aiding and abetting an unlicensed person in the sale of insurance and for selling a product without the consumer’s informed consent, a tactic known as “sliding.”

Investigators reportedly obtained evidence that Mack, 34, allowed an unlicensed employee of the insurance agency to sell insurance to a customer. The investigation also reportedly revealed that the customer was tricked into unknowingly purchasing a product besides the insurance policy, in this case a “towing and rental contract,” at an additional charge. This offense, known as “sliding,” is considered an unfair and deceptive business practice. Mack was also reportedly found to have sold products outside the scope of her license authority.

Based on this investigation, the department filed an administrative complaint, and administrative hearings were held in February and March of 2004. Following the proceedings, the department suspended Mack’s insurance license for one year, to be followed by a two-year probation.

The department previously suspended insurance agent Jennifer L. Faloon in July, reportedly based on similar charges.

For more than three years, the department has conducted a statewide public education campaign urging Floridians to verify that they are dealing with a licensed insurance agent and company.