New York Fraud Fighters to Make Contribution to Local Music Venue

NEW YORK, NY (05/11/2021) (readMedia)-- On Saturday Simon Kirke, the renowned drummer for Bad Company, Free, and Ringo's All Stars will join host Ken Dashow of iHeart Media's WAQX/Q104.3 for a special Backstage Pass virtual experience. The event, sponsored by the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud (NYAAIF), is an opportunity for fans to have a virtual "backstage" experience where they can interact with Kirke, ask questions and share stories.

The event will take place on May 15 at 12:00 noon EST, and a portion of the proceeds will go to-– The Cutting Room–– a Manhattan entertainment venue struggling under the weight of pandemic restrictions. Since March 2020, thousands of independent venues across the U.S. have remained closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Some experts fear as many as 90% of indie music venues could disappear if there is no direct federal intervention.

As economic conditions worsen, insurance fraud becomes increasingly more appealing. Insurance fraudsters are taking advantage of the conditions created by the pandemic. Con artists are stealing medical information; charging for fake vaccine appointments; and struggling property owners are increasingly tempted to destroy their homes, businesses and vehicles to collect insurance payments on assets they can no longer afford. Unfortunately, the costs of these activities are passed along to the public in the form of high insurance premiums.

"Our organization is all about helping people. That's what this effort is all about–– making sure that New Yorkers pull together in tough times. We're looking forward to things getting back to normal and I hope part of that return includes The Cutting Room and venues like it," said NYAAIF Chair Jim Potts. "If we can help out our local businesses, provide an evening of entertainment, and spread the word about the dangers of insurance fraud all in one night, we've hit our mark as an organization."

This event is part of an ongoing partnership with iHeart Radio to benefit the local entertainment industry. The first Backstage Pass event celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the band Wings with Laurence Juber and Denny Seiwell. A donation of the proceeds was made to the National Independent Venue Association.

"We believe this is an innovative way to raise awareness about insurance fraud and give back at the same time. I know insurance fraud isn't something the average person thinks about on a given day, but there are people facing tremendous economic pressures because of this pandemic. But turning to fraud will only make things worse. Insurance fraud is stealing, plain and simple," Potts said.

Potts says The Cutting Room has been hurt financially by the Covid-19 crisis. At its new location on East 32nd Street between Park and Madison, The Cutting Room builds on a decade of history that includes some of today's top performers–- John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Sting, Sheryl Crow and David Bowie–– who have all performed at The Cutting Room's previous location. This event and the donation from NYAAIF and iHeart will help ensure that future generations can experience this incredible venue and the artists presented there.

NYAAIF is an alliance of insurance companies doing business in New York. NYAAIF was created in 1999 to educate consumers about the cost of insurance fraud, and help consumers avoid becoming victims. Visit www.fraudny.org.

# # #