Gov. McAuliffe declares May 7-13 Insurance Fraud Awareness Week

Richmond, Va. — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe issued a proclamation declaring May 7-13 Insurance Fraud Awareness Week.

Insurance fraud occurs when a person makes money or attempts to make money from insurance transactions through cheating, deceiving, lying or stealing. Fraudulent insurance claims collected in Virginia in 2016 exceeded $21.7 million, and another $9.8 million in fraudulent claims were attempted.

“We thank Gov. McAuliffe for helping us bring attention to the very costly and sometimes dangerous crime of insurance fraud,” said First Sgt. Steve Hall, Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Program (IFP) coordinator.

Since its inception in 1999, IFP investigations have resulted in more than 3,300 arrests for insurance fraud and related crimes and more than $18 million in restitution.

In addition to investigations, the IFP participates in various community events each year and operates a rewards program that pays up to $25,000 for tips about insurance fraud that lead to an arrest.

“Our goal is to educate the public and reward those who can help,” Hall said.

 Visit StampOutFraud.com to learn more about how you can help stamp out fraud in Virginia. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or by dialing (877) 62FRAUD.

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The Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Program teaches citizens how to identify insurance fraud and trains law enforcement how to prevent it. If you have information regarding suspected insurance fraud, call 1-877-62FRAUD or visit StampOutFraud.com