The $25,000 Life Insurance Scam Masquerading as a Government Benefit

What's Really Going On?

• Misrepresentation of Government Affiliation: The advertisement prominently displays a Social Security sign, which may suggest a connection to an official government entity. However, in fine, blurred print at the very top of the page, it states, "A non-Government Site," which is only discernible upon very close inspection. Earn Cove operates as a private lead generation platform that collects and sells user data to insurance agents (1) (3).
• Misleading Privacy Assertions: The voice-over states, "no one will contact you," yet the accompanying fine print discloses that your information will be shared with agents, who will subsequently reach out to offer policy sales. 
• Emotional Manipulation: These advertisements frequently target senior citizens by utilizing phrases such as "State Regulated Burial Program," "You may be entitled to a $25,000 burial plan that has not been disclosed to you," or "Final Expense Coverage." 
• The BOT Interaction Process: Upon engaging with the advertisement, users are introduced to a professional-looking virtual assistant who initiates the interaction by stating there are "just a couple of questions." These inquiries typically include your age and the intended beneficiary of the policy, such as children, a spouse, or others. Following your responses, the BOT confirms your "eligibility" for a $25,000 policy. This structured approach is strategically designed to establish an emotional connection and foster a sense of commitment before it becomes apparent that this offering is not affiliated with any government benefit program. 
• Clarification on Social Security and Life Insurance: Social Security does not provide a $25,000 life insurance policy. The program offers a one-time death benefit of $255, and this is only available under specific qualifying circumstances. While certain ongoing survivor benefits may be accessible to eligible family members, these benefits are neither guaranteed nor universal and should not be misconstrued as life insurance. Any advertisement suggesting a $25,000 policy "backed by Social Security" is unequivocally misleading and incorrect.

Why This Is Dangerous

• Data Harvesting: Upon submitting your information, you may receive numerous communications from agents offering insurance policies that were not specifically requested.
• Financial Exploitation: These deals might stick you with overpriced or totally unnecessary insurance products, especially if you're in a vulnerable spot.
• Breaking Trust: Using government imagery, the wrong way messes with people’s trust in real programs like Social Security and Medicare.

What You Can Do

• Refrain from Clicking: It is advisable to avoid interacting with advertisements that offer substantial benefits accompanied by unclear or emotionally charged language.
• Report the Advertisement: Use YouTube's "Report Ad" button and pick the "Misleading" option to flag it. If you want, you can also hit up the Federal Trade Commission and report the ad at ftc.gov.
• Spread the Word: Share this post with your friends and family—especially seniors—so they know what to watch out for.
• Check the Real Deal: Legit government programs are always on ssa.gov or medicare.gov. If you don’t see it there, it’s not the real thing.

Got scammed or spotted a sketchy ad on social media? Drop a comment and let me know—it might need a closer look. Thanks a bunch!