NYSID Sets Up Fraud Force To Prevent Bogus WTC Claims
The New York State Insurance Department has established a “comprehensive insurance fraud-fighting plan specifically designed to combat any incidents of insurance fraud resulting from the World Trade Center tragedy.”
Superintendent Gregory V. Serio indicated that so far there had been no reports of fraud, and that setting up the special units was “a preemptive and preventative measure” aimed at increasing coordination with insurance carriers to prevent people taking advantage of the tragedy.
The plan calls for insurance company “Special Investigation Units” to report any suspected fraudulent claims to the NYSID’s Frauds Bureau using a distinct code. A designated frauds investigator will be specially assigned to WTC issues, and will coordinate the investigations in cooperation with the Consumer Services Bureau. The plan aims to work with the insurance companies to identify and prevent potentially fraudulent claims involving property, auto, homeowners, life and other claims related to the WTC disasters.
Serio praised the efforts of all involved in coping with the disaster, especially the compassion of the insurance industry. “It is in this spirit,” Serio stated, “that the fraud-fighting plan was put in place to send a clear message that we are committed to working with the industry to prevent unnecessary costs from insurance fraud and abuse that could ultimately be passed on to all New Yorkers.”|”nysid, sets, up, fraud, force, prevent, bogus, wtc, claims