RIP-OFF ALERT: Clark recently took a call from a listener who was rattled by an insurance seller trying to scare people away from AIG annuities. The caller was told she should bail on her supposedly "unsafe" AIG policy and come to the seller's company.

That's just plain irresponsible fear-mongering. The caller would have faced severe surrender charges if she listened to the salesperson. This kind of "churning" is dishonest, but Clark wishes it were criminal.

Turns out this caller's report is not an isolated one. The insurance departments in New York and Kentucky have warned their residents about this type of scam. Pay attention especially if you have older relatives who could be susceptible because they have AIG policies. Don't allow them to be swindled.

Here's the bottom-line: All AIG policies are solid now that the company has been bailed out by taxpayers. So don't let a pushy salesperson capitalize on fear in the marketplace and get you to make a bad decision based on emotion.

If you're listening and are too embarrassed to admit that you've already been scammed in this way, you need to immediately call your state's insurance department and see what kind of recourse is available to you.