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Tony Ondrusek is founder and publisher of Insurance & Financial Advisor and IFAwebnews.com.

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I’m not sure how many of the 45 agents and brokers busted after an investigation in New York knew they were breaking the law. (click here for IFAwebnews.com article)

Surely, some had arrangements with the auto repair shops where they steered business, and illegally received gifts in return.

But how many were simply doing what all businesses do: giving and accepting tokens in appreciation of a business relationship?

I go to dozens of trade shows each year, I attend multiple golf outings, company Christmas events, etc., etc., and I see everything from American Express cards (what we usually give away), to iPods to bottles of wine being given away. Many insurers provide vacations and other incentives for producing a set volume of business. It’s not just the insurance industry; it’s a part of running just about any business.

But when it comes to a quid-pro-quo arrangement like the kind outlined in the article, then it crosses a line. Taking money or gifts in direct exchange for steering business is illegal; but sometimes it’s a fine line between a gift and a kickback.

Perhaps we should examine not only our intention, but consult state law, when accepting those free movie theater tickets so we can take our kids or grandkids  to see the latest Disney movie.