Jefferson City, Mo. - Recently, insurance agents in several states have reported being the targets of a scam to collect their personal information.

According to representatives at the California, Colorado, Nevada and Oklahoma insurance departments, the scam seems to involve individuals posing as department employees, contacting agents and brokers by phone. The scammers claim the agent's license may be canceled or suspended due to improper paperwork, outstanding fees, penalties, etc.

The agent is then asked to provide personal information, such as Social Security number, date of birth, credit or debit card numbers or other banking information.

While the DIFP does not collect this information by phone, anyone receiving such a call should call the department's Licensing Section at 573-751-3518 to confirm the caller's identity.

The best consumer advice is to never reveal personal information to anyone who contacts you. Only give that out when you have initiated the contact.