The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of four websites offering insurance services without authorization. Internet providers operating in Italy are implementing the orders, although technical factors mean access restrictions may take several days to become effective. The action brings the total number of unauthorized sites subject to IVASS blocking measures to 412 since it began exercising this power in November 2023.
Consumers are warned to be wary of insurance offers involving contact through instant messaging or text messages, and requests for payment using prepaid credit cards. They should also avoid websites that do not appear on IVASS’s official lists of supervised insurance intermediaries and insurers.