Protect Yourself from Fraud After a Collision, Public Service Announcements Launched

Today, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Toronto Police Service launched a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on what drivers should do after a collision to protect themselves from fraud.

The PSAs are accompanied by helpful infographics and cover:

• Information drivers should collect at the scene of a collision PSA #1
  • Infographic 1
• How to report a collision PSA #2
  • Infographic 2
• Decisions drivers need to make following a collision PSA #3
  • Infographic #3

"Don't let yourself become a victim of fraud, or unintentionally help auto insurance fraudsters. Be alert for signs or behaviours that suggest staged collisions or other auto insurance scams," said Constable Clinton Stibbe of Toronto Police Service's Traffic Services Unit.

Philip Howell, CEO and Superintendent of Financial Services, adds, "By being vigilant, Ontario drivers can help stop fraudsters who abuse the auto insurance system and take money out of drivers' pockets through higher premiums."

If consumers suspect insurance fraud, they should report it to police, Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS) or FSCO.

QUICK FACTS

• In its Final Report, Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force concluded that fraud in the auto insurance system is substantial and has a significant impact on premiums
• The Task Force's Final Report contains 38 targeted recommendations on four key areas: fraud prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement and regulatory roles and responsibilities
• It's estimated that GTA drivers pay as high as $540 more on their auto insurance each year as a result of fraud, according to research conducted by Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force

LEARN MORE

• Learn how drivers can play a key role in fighting auto insurance fraud
• Get information on the Toronto Police's Fraud Prevention Month 2013 campaign
• Learn more about fraud through #Fraudchat, a weekly online chat about financial crime
• Find out what to do if you think you are a victim of a scam or fraud
• Read the Final Report of Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force
• Read KPMG's June 2012 Forensic Report on Auto Insurance Fraud in Ontario