Protect yourself against fraud during COVID-19

Unfortunately, difficult times can lead to an uptick in fraudulent activity. Protect yourself and your policyholders by being on alert for COVID-19-related scams.

There has also been a rise in the use of synthetic IDs, which are used to build credit under a false identity to buy insurance and other goods and services.

COVID-19 scam examples:

• Price gouging by vehicle repair shops and towing companies; excessive vehicle cleaning/sanitizing and vehicle towing/storage fees
• Lost wage claims due to an "accident" allegedly occurring when the claimant's place of employment was closed due to COVID-19
• Claims on minor car accidents resulting in injury, vandalism to the vehicle, stolen property from vehicle and total vehicle theft where referral indicates the involved party has lost wages or employment due to pandemic
• Claims in the disappearance of expensive jewelry that allege unemployment due to COVID-19 in the referral
• Workers' compensation claims alleging "prior injuries" submitted during the pandemic
• Claimants citing COVID-19 exposure or fear of exposure, allegedly to disrupt claims investigations 

If you have questions regarding identification that appears fraudulent or want more information on how to protect yourself, contact our SIU team.