375.144.  Prohibited acts in connection with the offer, sale, solicitation, or negotiation of insurance. — It is unlawful for any person, in connection with the offer, sale, solicitation or negotiation of insurance, directly or indirectly, to:

  (1)  Employ any deception, device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;

  (2)  As to any material fact, make or use any misrepresentation, concealment, or suppression;

  (3)  Engage in any pattern or practice of making any false statement of material fact; or

  (4)  Engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any person.