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Fraud always has a victim, and criminals typically target those who are the most vulnerable. Accident benefits fraud is known as a ‘gateway fraud’, because is the entry point for deeply complex and sophisticated organized fraud networks, including synthetic identify fraud, healthcare fraud and more.

A ghost broker is someone who pretends to be a legitimate insurance broker or agent but is in actuality selling fake insurance policies.

In the frigid winter months, drivers may be tempted to pre-warm their vehicles by starting it, then returning to their residence to continue getting ready for the day, which are ideal conditions for vehicle thefts. When these vehicles are stolen, deemed “warm-up thefts”, they are often crimes of opportunity and can happen in a matter of seconds.

Known as a “crash for cash” scam, a staged collision is insurance fraud that puts innocent drivers, and their passengers, at physical and emotional risk of harm. After staging a collision, criminals will seek to maximize profits from their scheme in many ways including creating multiple insurance claims for exaggerated personal injury claims, towing/storage, and unnecessary body shop work. This focus on financial gain, excludes consideration for the pain and suffering that these scams can cause innocent drivers and bystanders.

In today’s landscape where insurance crime has never been more complex, Canadian P&C insurers are doing more than ever to protect consumers through their strategic partnership with Équité. Accident benefits fraud is known as a ‘gateway fraud’; it is an entry point for deeply complex and sophisticated organized crime networks, including healthcare fraud, synthetic identify fraud, and more.

Whether traveling locally or abroad, a rental vehicle can be an essential part of travel plans. However, a stolen rental can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. A few small proactive steps can help mitigate rental vehicle break-ins and thefts.

There are two types of insurance fraud, premeditated and opportunistic. Understanding what those are and the different methods criminals use to attempt to defraud the insurance industry is key to mitigating the fraud.

A ghost vehicle is a vehicle that only exist on paper; no physical vehicle actually exists. Équité Association continues to work in close collaboration with our member companies to combat this type of insurance fraud.

Education plays a key role in protecting yourself from insurance fraud. By recognizing a few of the common scams, you may be able to avoid becoming a victim. You can also help others if you know what to look for by sharing a tip with law enforcement if you see something wrong. Here are a few types to keep an eye out for.

The first half of 2023 follows the historically high 2022 auto theft trends, with Ontario is seeing the greatest number of thefts (+31% YoY), followed by Quebec (+17% YoY), as reported in Équité Association’s First Half of 2023: Auto Theft Trend Report.