Vulture Culture

First it was the energy company scandals. Then widespread accounting fraud. Telecommunications. The list is as impressive as it is long, but all these previous financial misdeeds may pale in comparison to what's been happening at the very core of the nation's economythe insurance industry. Insurance companies and the huge brokers who make deals for them have been colluding with one another, defrauding shareholders, and denying billions of dollars in legitimate claims submitted by their customers. All, it seems, in an effort to drive profits and line their own pockets. Their actions have not only imperiled the futures of millions of policyholders, they have also brought the entire insurance industry itself to the edge of disaster. The consequences of a large-scale collapse could be nothing short of economic catastrophe for people, businesses, and even other industries. Wholesale reform is the only answer. Vulture Culture is the first book to look at what really goes on in the insurance industry, and at the effect it could have on every one of us. Author Eric Gerst not only sounds the alarm on this uncontrolled greed and government impotence, and not only does he identify culprits and the stomach-turning deeds they've done, he also shows the way out of what might seem an impossible morass. Featuring impeccable research, candid interviews, shocking numbers, and (undeniably) a thrilling if horrifying plot, Vulture Culture may be our best weapon and best chance to stop the broadest, costliest, and most systemic business scandal in American historybefore it's too late.Gerst, Eric D. is the author of 'Vulture Culture', published 2008 under ISBN 9780814400265 and ISBN 0814400264.