Alyssa Lane
Insurance fraud is a crime that costs consumers millions of dollars in the form of increased premiums and higher prices for goods and services. GEICO has an entire division dedicated to detecting, deterring, and defeating insurance fraud, known as the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). This unit is composed of individuals with extensive law enforcement experience. If you suspect insurance fraud, you can notify the police or GEICO directly by calling 1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313, or report it to your local or state fraud bureau. Additionally, GEICO provides resources to help protect its customers from other types of fraud, such as identity theft, mystery shopper scams, sweepstakes check scams, and phishing scams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is insurance fraud? | The act of falsifying or exaggerating the facts of an accident to an insurance company to obtain payment that would not otherwise be made. Common types of insurance fraud are staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, inflated medical bills, false claims of home burglary, billing an insurer for services not provided, and workers' compensation fraud. |
| How to detect insurance fraud? | GEICO's Special Investigations Unit works to stop insurance fraud and save consumers money. GEICO's claims associates are knowledgeable about the latest insurance fraud schemes. |
| How to report insurance fraud? | If you suspect fraud, notify the police or GEICO at 1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313. You can also report fraud to the NICB online or by phone. Additionally, you can contact GEICO through their app or online via their official website, GEICO.com, to protect yourself from fraudulent activities and scams. |
| How to avoid insurance fraud? | Be cautious of suspicious messages, fake websites, and phishing attempts. Do not interact with suspicious messages and report them to GEICO. Only make legitimate GEICO policy payments through GEICO.com, the GEICO mobile app, or by calling them directly. |
| How to report insurance fraud in New York State? | If you suspect insurance fraud, you can report it to the Department of Financial Services (DFS). You can call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at (888) FRAUDNY or (888) 372-8369, use the Report Insurance Fraud submission form on the DFS website, or mail the Report Fraud Form to the New York State Department of Financial Services. |
| How to report insurance fraud in Texas? | If you suspect a criminal act, such as filing a false or padded insurance claim, you can file a fraud report with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). You can call their Help Line at 800-252-3439, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. |
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What You'll Learn
GEICO's Special Investigations Unit
The SIU at GEICO plays a crucial role in protecting the insurer's interests and consumers' money by conducting thorough investigations. When a claim is reported, a liability examiner is assigned to review the insurance policy, coverage, and relevant information such as police reports, traffic laws, and photos of the scene. The examiner then determines the cause of the accident and handles the claim accordingly, with the option to re-examine if new information arises.
GEICO's SIU focuses on identifying fraudulent activities, including staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, and inflated medical bills. They scrutinize claims with unusual circumstances, excessive damages, or inconsistencies in documentation. The unit also advises claimants with legitimate claims to retain legal representation if their claim is under SIU investigation.
If you suspect insurance fraud, you can notify the police, contact GEICO directly at 1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313, or report it to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) online or by phone. Additionally, GEICO associates are educated about the latest insurance fraud schemes to effectively combat fraud. They advise customers to be vigilant, record important details at accident scenes, and be cautious of individuals eager to leave before law enforcement arrives.
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Reporting fraud to the NICB
GEICO's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) works to stop insurance fraud and save consumers money. It is composed of individuals with extensive law enforcement experience and works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to pursue and put fraud perpetrators out of business.
If you suspect insurance fraud, notify the police, GEICO, or the NICB. GEICO can be contacted at 1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313, and the NICB can be contacted online or by phone.
When reporting fraud to the NICB, it is important to provide as much information as possible. If you have been in an accident, be sure to call the police to the scene and record the names, addresses, license plate numbers, witness information, and any other facts you think might be important. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the accident scene. If possible, count and record the number of occupants in each vehicle.
Insurance fraud can take many forms, including staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, inflated medical bills, false claims of burglary or theft, billing for services not provided, and workers collecting compensation while employed. It is important to be aware of the latest insurance fraud schemes and to look for any "red flags" or indicators that fraud might be occurring.
In addition to reporting fraud to the NICB, you can also take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim of insurance fraud. GEICO offers identity theft protection services, such as caller ID monitoring, email health checks, and notification of suspicious activity. You can also safeguard yourself by carrying only the necessary credit/debit cards in your wallet, shredding sensitive documents, and signing up for identity theft insurance.
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Protecting your identity
To protect your identity and avoid insurance fraud, it is important to be vigilant and cautious. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and prevent fraud:
Be Wary of Unfamiliar Communications:
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or emails from unknown sources. Fraudsters often use manipulative tactics to obtain your personal information.
- Never disclose your sensitive information, such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Social Security Number (SSN), financial details, or health information, unless you initiate the communication and are certain of its legality.
- Avoid responding to health insurance advertisements on social media offering incentives like cash or gifts.
Secure Your Documents:
- Keep your SIN confirmation letter, SIN card, and other important documents in a safe location, such as a locked cabinet or a password-protected device. Do not carry these documents with you unless necessary.
- Use secure platforms like My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to access and print your SIN.
- Avoid writing down your SIN or sharing it publicly online.
Verify and Report:
- Always verify the identity of the person contacting you. Ask for their name, employer details, contact information, and proof of credentials.
- Legitimate sources, such as the Marketplace, will never threaten you or ask for payment to maintain or qualify for health coverage.
- If you suspect fraud, report it to the relevant authorities. For example, you can contact the Insurance Fraud Hotline or submit a report to the Department of Financial Services.
Stay Informed:
- Learn about common fraud prevention measures and keep yourself updated on the latest insurance fraud schemes.
- Understand the appropriate uses of your SIN and when it is legally required to be provided.
- Recognize the signs of potential fraud, such as staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, or inflated claims.
By following these precautions, you can help protect your identity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of insurance fraud. It is important to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your personal information.
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How to spot phishing scams
GEICO's Special Investigations Unit works to detect, deter, and defeat insurance fraud. If you suspect insurance fraud, notify the police, GEICO, or the NICB. You can also submit a fraud report to the Department of Financial Services by calling their Insurance Fraud Hotline, using their Report Insurance Fraud submission form, or by mailing them the Report Fraud Form.
Now, here are some ways to spot phishing scams:
Phishing is a type of scam where criminals try to get you to open harmful links, emails, or attachments that could request your personal information or infect your devices. Phishing messages usually come in the form of emails, texts, direct messages on social media, or phone calls. These messages are often disguised to look like they are from a trusted person or organization.
- Spelling and grammatical errors: Legitimate companies usually have an editorial and writing staff to ensure that customers receive high-quality, professional content.
- Generic greetings: If the email starts with a generic greeting, it is a warning sign that it might not be from the company it claims to be from.
- Mismatched email domains: If the email claims to be from a company like Microsoft or your bank, but it is sent from another email domain, it is likely a scam.
- Urgent language: Phishing messages often use urgent or emotionally appealing language to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They might claim that there will be dire consequences if you do not respond immediately.
- Requests for personal and financial information: Be cautious if you receive a message requesting your personal or financial information.
- Attachments and links: If you receive an email or text message with a link or attachment, ask yourself if you know the person or company that contacted you. If the answer is no, it could be a phishing scam. If the answer is yes, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
If you think you have received a phishing message, you can report it to protect others. You can forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, and phishing text messages to SPAM (7726).
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What to do if you have an accident
Being in an accident can be a stressful experience. However, knowing what to do after an accident can make all the difference. Here are some steps to follow if you ever find yourself in such a situation:
Ensure safety and check for injuries: The first thing to do after an accident is to ensure your safety and that of your passengers and anyone else involved in the accident. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
Document the accident scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, the surroundings, and any visible injuries. These can be important evidence for your insurance claim. Get a copy of the police report or the number for your records if a police report is taken.
Exchange information: Collect information from other drivers, including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Also, get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses. If the other driver flees the scene, immediately call the police and provide them with details such as the colour, make, model, or license plate number of the fleeing vehicle.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation. Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and follow your insurer's instructions for filing a claim.
File a police report: Contact the police and ask them to file a report, even if the accident is minor. This is important for accurately and legally documenting the accident, which is required for your insurance claim. They will let you know if an officer needs to be dispatched to the scene.
Remember to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claim process after an accident.
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Frequently asked questions
Insurance fraud is the act of falsifying or exaggerating the facts of an accident to an insurance company to obtain payment that would not otherwise be made. Common types of insurance fraud are staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, and inflated medical bills.
When someone reports an accident to GEICO, a liability examiner is assigned to investigate the accident. They review the insurance policy, gather and review additional information such as the police report, photos of the scene, and determine the cause of the accident.
If you are in an accident, call the police to the scene. Record names, addresses, license plate numbers, witness information, and any other relevant facts. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the accident scene. Be wary of anyone who seems eager to leave before the police arrive.
You can notify GEICO of suspected insurance fraud by calling 1-800-824-5404 ext. 3313. You can also report fraud to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) online or by phone.
GEICO mentions an increase in spoofing and phishing attempts targeting the insurance industry. Be cautious of fake websites offering significant discounts on GEICO insurance policies through third-party payment processors. These sites may steal your personal data and money, leaving you without valid insurance coverage. GEICO also provides identity theft protection services and resources to help protect yourself from fraud.
