The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) is taking action against opportunistic insurance fraud as cost-of-living pressures drive a surge in such cases.
IFED investigated 18 claims across the country, amounting to a total estimated value of £216,875, in February and March 2023.
The unit executed warrants in Berkshire, Peterborough, and Portsmouth, leading to the arrest of two people and charges against four others suspected of making fraudulent claims.
Seven interviews were also conducted, and “cease and desist” notices were delivered across the country.
Unlike premeditated fraud such as “crash for cash” scams, opportunistic claims are often made by otherwise law-abiding citizens who exaggerate a legitimate situation for financial gain.
