Ontarians lack knowledge to report fraud: IBC

Ontario residents understand the frequency of insurance fraud, but don’t necessarily know how to blow the whistle on perpetrators, a consumer poll by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) shows.

Conducted by Pollara, the survey found 83% of Ontarians believe fraud occurs frequently or occasionally in the province. The vast majority (96%) make the connection between fraud and higher premiums for drivers.

“Clearly, Ontarians understand that there is a problem to be addressed,” says Ralph Palumbo, vice president, Ontario region for the IBC.

However, the survey also found most people (58%) did not know where to report fraudulent activity in a health clinic. Seventy-two per cent said they would likely report a person in the health industry who commits insurance fraud.

Consumers indicated they would report fraud most commonly to police (68%), an insurance company/broker/agent (67%), Ontario’s insurance regulator (51%) and the province’s regulator of health practitioners (47%).

IBC says it is encouraging Ontarians to report insurance fraud through its anonymous TIPS line (1-877-IBC-TIPS).

“We work with law enforcement and insurers to identify criminal activity,” Palumbo notes. “You can help combat insurance fraud, and to help catch these fraudsters.”