In a bid to reduce the number of dishonest claims affecting the insurance industry, insurance investigator Anthony Callaghan has launched an insurance fraud hotline and website.
The new hotline and website has been endorsed by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). It’s a free community service which can be used by any member of the public to report suspected cases of fraud.
Research undertaken by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) revealed 25% of people interviewed claimed to know somebody who has committed insurance fraud. Of those, 20% endorsed the act of exaggerating an insurance claim and 38% believed insurers could afford the cost.
While it seems many people in the community believe insurance fraud is a victimless crime, recent estimates from IAG show it costs Australian consumers more than $2.1 billion a year.
A spokesperson said, “People may be aware of an insurance fraud but don’t always know who the insurer is or who to contact. The general public can now use our hotline or go on our website and upload pictures, videos and scanned documents.”
What constitutes insurance fraud?
Opportunistic claims: Fraudsters who pad or exaggerate loss and damage from otherwise legitimate claims.
Premeditated: This involves arson, theft, staged incidents involving the fabrication of a claim.
Based on non-disclosure: Fraudsters misrepresent or hide important facts which are relevant to a claim.
You can call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at any time. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You have the option to stay anonymous if required.
1300 600 444 or email information to report.fraud@insurancecouncil.com.au
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