State regulators have revoked Salem insurance agent Tricia Klock’s license after finding she committed identity theft, misrepresented policies to clients and raised coverage on a vehicle after an accident.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation revoked Klock’s insurance producer license on Sept. 20 and assessed $11,000 in fines, according to an announcement Wednesday.
Klock, 44, was convicted on four counts of identity theft in April 2022, a class C felony, to which she pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 18 months of probation, according to court documents. Five counts of identity theft and two counts of computer crime were dismissed through a civil compromise with the victims.
When reached by phone Klock referred Salem Reporter to her attorney Willam Ghiorso for comment, who did not respond before publication. “It’s all false,” she said of the allegations.
The financial regulation agency found that Klock violated several of its laws, including increasing coverage for a family’s vehicles immediately after learning about a car accident, telling a client to falsely report claims and falsely representing coverage.
State regulators also mentioned that Klock worked as a travel agent, running Prestige Travel Agency, and in 2019 former clients accused her of taking money but not booking trips, some finding themselves in foreign countries without return flights home. Reporting by KGW at the time spoke with clients who said they found out days before the trip that accommodations were never booked, despite paying thousands of dollars at the agency.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when dealing with travel agents and insurance providers. Consumers are urged to thoroughly check the credentials of agents and agencies they engage with, to ensure that they are dealing with reputable professionals,” the state agency said in a statement.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
