The IFB supports City of London Police's warning to travel insurance fraudsters

With the October half-term afoot, the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is supporting City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) in warning holidaymakers about the risks of committing travel insurance fraud. 

Seen by many as a 'victimless crime', insurance fraud can have serious consequences for the perpetrator, which can include imprisonment and being put on the Insurance Fraud Register (IFR) which makes it harder to take out essential financial services, such as mortgages.

In addition, insurance fraud costs the insurance industry millions each year and adds to the costs of premiums for all other insurance consumers. 

Be it exaggerations in the value of lost-personal items or lying about medical treatment required abroad, the IFB is backing IFED's calls for holidaymaking claimants to think before they act. 

Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said:

“With so many holidaymakers keen to soak up the sun this half-term, we're urging people not to risk getting burned by the consequences of travel insurance fraud. It's important to fully understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before setting off, so you know what you're entitled to claim for. Unfortunately, there are also some people who intentionally submit exaggerated or fabricated claims for compensation, which not only results in a criminal record for them, but adds to the costs for all other honest insurance consumers.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau is working closely with the police and the travel insurance sector to crackdown on insurance cheats. If you commit fraud, you will get caught."

Anyone with evidence of an insurance scam can report it to the IFB's confidential CheatLine service (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421 or online.

Fraud reports can also be submitted to Action Fraud, which is operated by City of London Police.

The full news release from City of London Police is available on their media centre.