Seen something suspicious, fallen victim to an insurance scam or know someone who has?
Report it to CheatLine
Reporting insurance fraud is important as it helps us to investigate and bring fraudsters to justice. Even if you think it's not worth it or that you don't have much information, every report brings us closer to stopping a fraudster from scamming their next victim.
What you need to know about reporting insurance fraud?
Who are the IFB?
We, the IFB (Insurance Fraud Bureau), run the anonymous insurance fraud reporting tool named CheatLine. We are the counter fraud intelligence hub for the insurance industry. We share the information you provide securely with insurers, the police and industry watchdogs, helping to protect the honest majority.
Think of the information you provide as an important piece of the puzzle, without it we may struggle to connect the dots that would allow us to take down a criminal.
Stay anonymous
If you are worried about your safety or have been threatened by a scammer, it is understandable that you may not want your report to be traced back to you. That is why both our online and phone reporting options are 100% anonymous.
You have the option to leave contact details if you are happy for a member of the investigative team to reach out to clarify details or if you have additional evidence to submit (for example: photos, screenshots, video, or dash cam footage).
What should you include
Include as much as possible! Your report could alert us to a new way fraudsters are targeting victims, or a new area they are operating in. No detail is too small.
Things that are especially useful:
- Names, phone numbers and bank account details for the fraudster
- If cars are involved, registration numbers, details of passengers, or witnesses/accomplices giving false statements
- How you found out about them
- Screenshots of conversations you've had
- Dash cam or surveillance footage of the scam taking place
Find out more about these common insurance scams.
Protect yourself, and your friends and family by knowing the signs.
Crash for cash
These scams are extremely dangerous as they involve fraudsters who cause car crashes with other innocent road users on purpose to get a payout.
Ghost broking
This scam involves fraudsters selling fake insurance policies that leave their victims out of pocket and uninsured.
Fronting
This is when someone lies about who the main driver of their car is, in order to get cheaper insurance.
Paid Ad Scams
When a dodgy claims firm uses ads to fool you into thinking you're contacting your insurer.
ID theft
Your stolen ID can be used in insurance fraud when a criminal uses your details or address to take out insurance policies or make claims.
Think you've been the victim of insurance fraud?
Depending on the information you have and what you've witnessed, we recommend getting in touch with the police in the first instance, especially if someone's safety is at risk. Next, reach out to your insurer (if applicable) to alert them of the situation.
Then, report it to CheatLine online or by calling 0800 422 0421.
If you bought insurance from a Ghost Broker – your insurance isn't valid. You could face the same charges as someone driving without insurance and risk being fined, points on your license, and having your car seized.
Encouraged to lie on a claim by a Claims Farmer? You may be denied insurance in the future and be added to the Insurance Fraud Register (IFR). This can prevent you being able to drive or get a mortgage. See our tips to avoid getting conned!
Did you know?
- Insurance fraud costs the industry £2 billion each year and makes insurance policies more expensive for everyone.
- We work with insurers and police forces up and down the country to investigative and share intelligence about insurance scams every day.
- Since our inception, we've helped the police to secure over 1,300 arrests and 690 convictions.
- We all pay the price of insurance fraud. Insurance scams have serious consequences for victims and make insurance more expensive for everyone.