The Maryland Insurance Administration is warning insurance agents about a fake license renewal website that could harm their computers.

In a note posted on its website today (Feb. 6), the MIA said it recently became aware of a website offering licensing renewal services. The site, which it did not identify, tells users to run an executable file (.exe) to renew their licenses. Running exe files can cause severe damage to computers, including the possibility of placing malware and other virus software on a computer.

The MIA said the site “is not in any way affiliated with the Maryland Insurance Administration.”

It was unclear whether other states’ agents had been targeted by the scam.

The MIA reminds agents that the correct website for the MIA is www.mdinsurance.state.md.us. At this site, companies and producers can conduct all business.

For license renewals, agents can select the Producer tab to find links for online licensing. These links will take visitors to the National Insurance Producers Registry and the State Based Systems websites, the only online producer registration services used by the MIA.