International Insurance Fraud Awareness: Keep Your Assets and Coverage Safe

It takes a global effort to help prevent fraud, so it's worth observing International Insurance Fraud Awareness Week. As part of the larger Fraud Awareness Week, this week promotes education about available anti-fraud resources and various forms of fraudulent scams that can help prevent fraud and lower potential premium increases. White-collar crime impacts everyone — raising costs and straining legitimate policyholders.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of anti-fraud measures and how to minimize, identify and respond to potential insurance fraud.

On This Page

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  What Is Insurance Fraud Awareness Week?

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  Insurance Fraud Awareness Week History

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  What To Do if You're a Victim of Insurance Fraud

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  How To Identify and Avoid Insurance Fraud

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  FAQs

What Is Insurance Fraud Awareness Week?

International Insurance Fraud Awareness Week is a dedicated time to raise awareness about potential insurance scams and promote fraud prevention. It’s part of the broader International Fraud Awareness Week observance, which emphasizes a more comprehensive approach to fraud awareness.^[1]

The observance encourages organizations and communities to come together, discuss common forms of fraud and scams they may encounter and promote education around fraud prevention practices and behaviors.

When Is Insurance Fraud Awareness Week?

International Insurance Fraud Awareness Week is typically observed during the third week of November — between Nov. 16 and 22, 2025.^[2] The event coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week.^[3] However, because International Insurance Fraud Awareness Week is not an official observance, some state governments or organizations may recognize it at different times throughout the year.^[4]

Why Is Insurance Fraud Awareness Important?

Insurance fraud is common, so raising awareness about it can help lower the risk of future fraud claims. It’s estimated that about 20% of all insurance claims in the U.S. involve fraud — costing companies and individuals approximately $308.6 billion annually.^[5]

Even if you don’t experience fraud yourself, policyholders often end up paying the price. The increased costs of identifying and combating fraud are typically passed on as higher premiums. For example, when carriers account for insurance fraud, it can add $200 to $300 annually to the average car insurance policy.^[6]

By staying informed — and helping others recognize potential scams — you can contribute to reducing fraud-related costs, which can lead to fewer premium increases over time.

Insurance Fraud Awareness Week History

International Fraud Awareness Week, also known as Fraud Week, was first established in 2000 by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) — an organization of anti-fraud professionals.^[3] One key component of this observance is raising awareness about insurance fraud.

Over the years, several state governors have issued official proclamations recognizing Insurance Fraud Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of combating insurance fraud through education and public awareness.^[2][4]

What To Do if You're a Victim of Insurance Fraud

If you’ve been the victim of insurance fraud, immediately stop any payments to the scammer and avoid further contact. Then, report the attempted fraud to the proper authorities. You can reach out to your state’s insurance fraud bureau or department of insurance to verify whether your situation involves potential fraud or a legitimate transaction.

If it’s a confirmed instance of fraud, you can file an official complaint. State insurance fraud bureaus are listed on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website.^[7]

You should also contact your insurance company to notify them of the scam. The earlier you report the issue — and the more details you provide — the fewer complications you’re likely to face with your carrier. Reporting quickly can also help distance you from the scammer and serve as evidence that you were a victim, not a participant.

You may also contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which works with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. You can reach the NICB by calling 1-800-835-6422 or completing a form on its website.^[8]

How To Identify and Avoid Insurance Fraud

Below are several ways to help you recognize and avoid insurance fraud scams:

• Only get coverage from an authorized insurance agent, broker or company. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of an insurance contract, contact your state’s department of insurance to confirm it’s legitimate.
• Always request itemized invoices for repair work or medical services billed to your insurance. Ensure that the charges align with the services provided and that your insurance company isn’t being overbilled.
• Review an insurance company’s record online and research its reputation. Carriers with high ratings from multiple reviewers are more likely to be legitimate.
• Never sign blank applications or forms. These may contain unauthorized agreements or false information you didn’t intend to approve.
• Avoid paying your premiums with cash. Instead, use direct online payments or checks. Cash transactions are harder to trace or recover if you discover a scam later.
• Store your insurance information securely. If your information is accessible through your phone or laptop, ensure it’s password-protected and not stored where others can easily access it.
• Take clear photos of all damage when filing a claim. Some contractors may attempt to inflate repair costs or bill for work not completed. Photo evidence helps support your case and protect your claim.
• Avoid sharing insurance information with people you don’t trust, including online. Even limited details can be combined with other publicly available data, such as your name or address, to facilitate identity theft or other fraudulent activity.
• Be cautious of vehicles that pull in front of you and slow down. Scammers may intentionally cause “accidents” to file false claims. Consider using a dashcam to record activity in front of or behind your vehicle, as it can help protect you from staged crash scams.
• Shop around when looking for a new policy. Some companies may offer premiums that seem too good to be true. Comparing multiple quotes can help you identify legitimate options and avoid fraudulent offers.