Governor Warner Proclaims May 9th as
"Insurance Fraud Awareness Day" in Virginia

RICHMOND -- Governor Mark R. Warner has proclaimed the first observance of "Insurance Fraud Awareness Day" on May 9, 2002, in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The governor’s proclamation was presented by Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, Superintendent, Virginia State Police, and Captain Frank A. Williams, Assistant Director, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Insurance Fraud Division, Virginia State Police, during a ceremony commemorating "Insurance Fraud Awareness Day" on Thursday May 9, 2002, at 8:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Select Koger Center South, 10800 Midlothian Turnpike at 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, Richmond. This observation was held in conjunction with the annual seminar of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU).

Presentation of the Insurance Fraud Awareness Day Proclamation -- Captain Frank A. Williams, Assistant Director, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Insurance Fraud Division, Virginia State Police; Kathy Kent, Neathawk Dubuque Public Relations; Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner; and Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, Superintendent, Virginia State Police.

Colonel Massengill also announced that Governor Warner has signed into law legislation establishing the Insurance Fraud Division (IFD) as a permanent division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Virginia State Police. Created in 1999 by action of the Virginia General Assembly, the Insurance Fraud Division’s operation was limited by a sunset clause to a four-year term through January 1, 2003. During the 2002 session, the General Assembly unanimously passed the legislation eliminating this sunset provision.

The following individuals were honored at the observation for their support of the Insurance Fraud Division in its efforts to eradicate insurance fraud: Senator Charles J. Colgan, Manassas, who introduced the original legislation to establish the Insurance Fraud Division; Delegate Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., Appomattox, who introduced the 2002 legislation to remove the sunset clause; and Mr. Bruce L. Hiatt, president, Virginia Farm Bureau. Senator Colgan and Delegate Abbitt will receive their awards at a later date in Manassas and Appomattox.

Three television stations will also be honored at the observation for their support by frequent running of public service announcements: Adelphia Media Services, located in the area of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Charlottesville, was represented by Amy Huges, Senior Account Executive, and Barry Bland, Local Sales Manager; Comcast Cablevision in Richmond, represented by Mary K. Butler and Karen Newmyer, Account Executives; and WDBJ-TV 7, CBS affiliate, Roanoke. WDBJ will be recognized later this month in a ceremony in Roanoke.

“Insurance Fraud Awareness Day” will be observed annually in order to raise community awareness of insurance fraud, create more widespread public knowledge of the Insurance Fraud Division and its purpose, and educate Virginia citizens to take responsibility in the prevention and reporting of insurance fraud.

“We applaud Governor Warner and the Virginia Insurance Fraud Division for helping raise public awareness about insurance fraud as a major crime that is driving up the cost of insurance and consumer good for all Virginians,” said Dennis Jay, Executive Director, Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, a national alliance of consumers, government agencies, and private insurers. “Our best defense against insurance fraud is an informed consumer who’s an active partner in helping fight this crime.”

Back row left to right: Captain Frank A. Williams, Assistant Director, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Insurance Fraud Division, Virginia State Police; Bruce L. Hiatt, President, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; Barry Bland, Local Sales Manager, and Amy Huges, Senior Account Executive, Adelphia Media Services, Staunton; and Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, Superintendent, Virginia State Police. Front row: Maryk Butler and Karen Newmeyer, Account Executives, Comcast Cable, Richmond.

Insurance fraud is ranked second behind tax evasion as the most common and costly white-collar crime. Insurance fraud adds as much as $1,000 to the costs of goods and services a family pays each year. Virginia citizens also pay between $200 and $1,000 per year in additional premiums due to fraudulent insurance claims.

According to Captain Frank Williams, the IFD has made tremendous gains in addressing insurance fraud crime. During its first three years of operation, the Insurance Fraud Division received a total of 2,330 notifications which resulted in 601 investigations, 196 cases accepted for prosecution, 289 arrests, and $8,373,606 ordered in restitution. Williams said, “Our success can be directly attributed to the support of the insurance industry, the cooperation of other law enforcement agencies, and the general public’s willingness to become involved.”

Citizens who witness or have information about possible insurance fraud are encouraged to report it using the VSP IFD hot-line at 1-877-62FRAUD (623-7283) or via the Internet at www.StampOutFraud.com.