Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Convictions Increase by 24%

According to fraud statistics compiled by the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority, suspected insurance fraud referrals increased by 9 percent in 2013 while criminal convictions increased 24 percent.

In the latest issue of Pennsylvania Fraud Stories, Ralph Burnham, executive director of the Insurance Fraud Prevention Bureau (IFPA), outlined the lines of business affected by the increased fraud referrals:

• Auto insurance fraud referrals increased 9 percent;

• Workers’ compensation referrals increased 7 percent;

• Homeowners’ and renters insurance increased 12 percent.

Burnham also noted that insurance fraud bureaus in Pennsylvania reported 408 arrests and assisted in an additional 37 arrests made by other law enforcement agencies. He also noted a 26 percent increase in the total amount of restitution, fines and penalities defendants were required to pay.

Source: IFPA