Posted on 11/04/2011, 11:44 am, by mySteinbach

Organizations around the world, including Manitoba Public Insurance, are proactively working to protect its customers from fraudsters. Against this backdrop, Manitoba’s public auto insurer is encouraging all Manitobans to raise their awareness about auto insurance fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week, November 6-12.

“In addition to adjusting our tactics relating to dealing with auto insurance fraud, the Corporation has adopted a more proactive approach to auto insurance fraud through the use of advanced analytic tactics,” said Ted Hlynsky, Vice-President Claims Control and Safety Operations with Manitoba Public Insurance.

Last fiscal year Manitoba Public Insurance announced total fraud savings of $9.4 million.

“This financial figure is based on an estimate of money recovered and fraudulent claims denied,” said Hlynsky. “This fraud savings is the direct result of Manitoba’s public auto insurer focusing on all aspects of auto insurance fraud, be it organized groups, vehicle fires, hit and run and bodily injury.

“The combination of proactive anti-fraud strategies and raising people’s awareness will assist in reducing auto insurance fraud and the individuals who commit this crime.”

Insurance fraud -automobile, home or health care – costs Canadians more than $3 billion a year in insurance premiums, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Organizations around the world lose an estimated five percent of their annual revenues to fraud, according to a survey of fraud experts conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Anyone knowing someone who is involved in auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS Line: 985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are anonymous.