AUGUSTA – Bogus insurance policies are on the rise in every line of insurance, and Maine consumers are footing the bills in unpaid claims.

“Unfortunately, fake insurance is not always easy to recognize, and perpetrators can be very devious,” said Maine Insurance Superintendent Alessandro Iuppa.

“Recently, as a result of a Maine consumer’s inquiry, the bureau became aware that The Hartford insurance company’s name and logo are being used illegally to defraud consumers,” Iuppa said in a press release. “An unlicensed company that calls itself Hartford Casualty Insurance is fraudulently soliciting business by using a name similar to The Hartford’s. The bogus company has copied The Hartford’s logo on its Web site to further associate it with legitimate Hartford.”

Hartford Casualty Insurance appears to be targeting agents, professionals, home inspectors, and people in the real estate industry by offering quotes on errors and omissions, general liability and legal defense liability insurance coverage.

Offers are sent by both e-mail and printed material that directs people to the unlicensed company’s Web site. Correspondence with the bogus company is conducted by fax.

The company’s activities are under investigation, Iuppa said.

“Just like counterfeit money, fake insurance may appear to be legitimate, but it is actually illegal and worthless,” said Iuppa. “If you buy fake insurance, you’ll pay premiums, but your claims won’t be paid.”

According to state law, with very few exceptions, no insurance product can be sold by individual agents, brokers or companies without the approval of the Maine Bureau of Insurance.

Iuppa recommends that people look for these warning signs of fake insurance:

• Aggressive marketing and a high-pressure, “you must sign today” sales approach with lots of fine print and disclaimers.

• Premiums that are 15 percent or more under the average price for comparable insurance products on the market.

• Few coverage limitations.

A new campaign from the Maine Bureau of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners urges consumers to stop before signing anything or writing a check, then call the Maine Bureau of Insurance at 1-800-300-5000 to confirm the company is legitimate and licensed to do business in Maine.

“If consumers will stop, call and confirm before they buy insurance, they may save themselves the pain of unpaid claims,” said Iuppa. “They also can help us track down and take action against the con artists who sell fake insurance.”

Consumers can reach the Bureau through its Web site at www.MaineInsuranceReg.org; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to the Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.