WINNIPEG, MB – March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and yesterday Manitoba Public Insurance said they have saved almost $40 Million over the last five years discovering fraudulent claims.

“Insurance fraud is a crime that costs all rate payers,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications, CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “This is why we have a dedicated focus on investigating potential fraudulent claims that may include vehicle arson, hit and run claims, staged collisions, false vandalism claims or arranged vehicle thefts.”

Recorded claims savings over the last five years are based on a reconciliation of fraudulent claims denied, money recovered after payments were made, and customers withdrawing suspicious claims when put under investigation.

Special investigators handle about 3,000 claims yearly. In addition to the efforts of its investigators, MPI works with police agencies throughout the province. The Corporation also operates a dedicated TIPS Line, which is a valuable source of information for fraud investigators.

Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to report their suspicions through the Corporation’s TIPS Line by calling 204-985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are treated anonymously.

With files from Manitoba Public Insurance

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