ALBANY, N.Y. -- As people continue to face hard times as a result of the economy some people are actually seeking financial relief by selling away their life insurance policies. What some people may not know is that doing so may be quite risky as there are reports of abuse of life insurance policies.

The New York State Insurance Department will begin a series of hearings this morning to get public input on the pros and cons of life settlements. The meeting takes place at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in meeting room 7 and begins at 10 and goes until 5 this afternoon.