When fraud is suspected, maintaining a record of evidence can help you to prove it. Include emails, voicemails, text messages and other documentation such as:
- Estimates and invoices
- Work orders
- Medical reports
- Financial transactions and bank records
- Claim forms
- Other related information
Personal Safety Comes First
Avoid creating conflict or altercations when obtaining information related to a fraud situation. If you feel unsafe, insecure or intimidated at any time, call police or someone you trust. You may be in a unique position to document important information that will assist insurers and authorities in addressing concerns related to possible insurance crime.
4 Ways to Record Vehicle Damage Fraud
- If possible, take photographs of the vehicle before and after it was damaged, and take photos before and after repairs are completed.
- Include all sides of all vehicles, whether they appear to be damaged or not.
- Where it is safe, possible and practical to do so, place a measuring tape or metre stick in the photographs where damage is present.
- If you notice damage to a vehicle that appears to be unrelated to the collision, make a note of it.
- Note whether air bags were deployed in any vehicle.
- Identify and record any possible witnesses or evidence of the collision. This may include intersection or business security cameras in the area or vehicle dashboard cameras.
3 Tips for Tracking Injury-Related Fraud
- Maintain a personal record of all appointments kept and the goods and services provided to you. Note any information related to your activities that might assist with reconciling events and treatment dates.
- If you are a health care provider and believe you may be a victim of health care practitioner identity theft, report your concerns to your professional college or association, IBC and/or Health Claims for Auto Insurers (HCAI).
- If you live in Ontario, you can anonymously report injury-related insurance fraud to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
Take the Time. Report the Crime.
Help catch fraudsters. If you've witnessed or have information about a potential crime, you can:
- File a report with local police, or the provincial or territorial Crime Stoppers organization
- Make an anonymous call 24/7 to 1-877-422-TIPS (8477)
- Complete and submit an anonymous online tip form via Équité Association
- Tell your insurer about your concerns
- Notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if applicable
- Consider consulting with legal counsel