April 29, 2003

 

Insurance Fraud: The Crime We All Pay For, Now Pays Out

May 5-9, 2003 is "Insurance Fraud Awareness Week" in Virginia

RICHMOND - 2003 is proving to be a year of firsts for the Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Division (IFD) and its partners.

$25,000 Reward Established Beginning May 1, the Virginia State Police IFD will offer a reward of up to $25,000 to those individuals who come forward with information related to insurance fraud that results in an arrest(s). Citizens can report insurance fraud-related crimes by calling the toll-free, IFD Hotline at 1-877-62FRAUD (1-877-623-7283) or by E-mail at www.stampoutfraud.com.

The IFD was established January 1, 1999, through legislation approved by the General Assembly. The division's mission is to stem the growing incidence of insurance fraud in Virginia. By providing trained investigators and by increasing citizen awareness, the division aims to cut insurance fraud, a crime Virginians pay for through increased costs of goods and services and higher insurance premiums. The IFD investigates fraud related to property and casualty insurance.

"Insurance Fraud Awareness Week"

Lt. Roger Rector of the Insurance Fraud Division and Virginia State Police Superintendent W. Gerald Massengill with the Governor's proclamation.

May 5-9, 2003, will be Virginia's first "Insurance Fraud Awareness Week." Governor Mark R. Warner is the Commonwealth's first governor to issue a proclamation recognizing Virginia's commitment to stamping out insurance fraud. With insurance fraud robbing the average Virginia household of approximately $1,000 a year, law enforcement, the insurance industry, legislators, prosecutors and the governor encourage citizens to be on the lookout for and report insurance fraud crimes.

11th Annual Virginia IASIU Fraud Conference, Holiday Inn – Koger South, Richmond "Insurance Fraud Awareness Week" also coincides with the 11th Annual Virginia Insurance Fraud Conference sponsored by the Virginia State Police IFD and the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU). Each year law enforcement, insurance industry personnel and prosecutors gather to share information and break new ground in their efforts to combat insurance fraud.

Conference attendees will have several workshops from which to choose including one on May 7 (Mold - Coming Soon to a Claim Near You!) that examines the growing popularity of bogus mold claims in homes and buildings in Virginia. Other topics include interviewing techniques, and how to investigate and prosecute an insurance fraud case.