O.W. man defrauded by bogus insurance agent

Belize may be experiencing an epidemic of violent crime, but an incident reported by police today reaffirms the notion that a smart criminal can steal more with a good lie than with a loaded pistol. Twenty-nine year old Santos Chan of Orange Walk has been detained pending charges after he allegedly used a sweet mouth and professional appearance to con at least one man out of five months worth of life insurance premiums. According to a complaint filed by Rogelio Cocom, Chan approached him in March, claiming to be an agent for Home Protector Insurance Company. Chan must have been a good salesman as Cocom paid over six hundred and seventy-five dollars in monthly premiums before growing suspicious. When he called the company he was informed that Chan does not work for Home Protector and is not authorised to do business on their behalf. The public is asked to always be careful and check the credentials of anyone selling insurance or any other service.