Fraudster convicted for making bogus claims on broken TV

A man has been convicted of fraud for making a series of bogus claims collectively worth over £10K, for a broken television, following an investigation with the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). 

Marcin Skrzeczewski, 38, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, had claimed he was carrying the television with a friend when they slipped on the stairs and the appliance broke. 

When Admiral Insurance received a claim for the smashed TV, they accessed IFB's cross-industry intelligence sharing services, and discovered a similar claim had been taken out with another insurer, using the very same images of the broken television.

IFB found Skrzeczewski had used multiple identities to make claims with several insurers worth £10,500 in total. The case was referred to IFED who soon executed a warrant and seized several electronic devices and bank cards, linked to the activity. 

Following an interview with IFED, Skrzeczewski admitted submitting bogus claims and that he had been using the names of his Polish friends for these aliases.

He appeared at Inner London Crown Court and pleaded guilty to seven offences of fraud by false representation and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, and pay compensation to one insurer. 

Detective Constable Chris Jones at IFED, said: 

“City of London Police has been working closely with partner agencies to bring this offender to justice. The investigation found strong evidence which proved Mr Skrzeczewski made fraudulent insurance claims valuing over £10,500, including documentation with false names.

“Thanks to our work with the Insurance Fraud Bureau, Admiral and other insurance companies, Mr Skrzeczewski was convicted of seven counts of fraud and was given a one-year jail sentence, suspended for two years. We hope this sends a strong message to the public that we will use the full extent of the law to investigate and prosecute fraudsters.”

Members of the public can report evidence to insurance fraud confidentially and anonymously to IFB's CheatLine online or via 0800 422 0421.