Illinois officials warn about home warranty scam

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Insurance is warning consumers that a Florida-based company is illegally marketing home warranty services to Illinois residents.

The agency said Wednesday that Arkidus Home Protection continues to market the warranties despite a previous cease and desist order from the Illinois Insurance Department. They say the state of Florida has taken similar action against Arkidus for illegal activity.

The company markets warranties for household appliances via the Internet.

Illinois officials say they’ve received “several complaints” from consumers who could not get Arkidus to reimburse them for claims.

Illinois officials investigated and determined the company and Reinaldo “Ray” Berges did not have a certificate of authority to sell insurance or a license to sell home warranties in Illinois.

A telephone number on the company website rang busy.