TRENTON – It’s a crime that costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually. The government wants New Jerseyans to help put a stop to it.
Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) Insurance Fraud Awareness have launched an advertising campaign urging residents to report insurance fraud. That OIFP has a new web page that makes reporting fraud easier.
The announcement coincides with Insurance Fraud Awareness Month.
Billboards and busses showcase the campaign’s slogan: “Insurance Fraud. Report It. End It.” The three-month campaign will include spots on social networks, radio, television, and college and professional sporting events.
“Insurance fraud isn’t a victimless crime. Honest taxpayers are paying the price through higher insurance premiums and increased costs for goods and services,” Grewal said. “Our ad campaign encourages New Jerseyans to fight back and warns insurance cheats of the consequences.”
There are about $80 billion fraudulent insurance claims filed annually in the United States, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud reports.
The fraud affects everyone, from the insurance companies to policyholders, consumers and businesses.
“To mark the start of Insurance Fraud Awareness month, we’re calling on the public to protect their own financial interests by reporting fraud, and we’re making it easier than ever for them to do it,” acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson said. “We have also unveiled an updated and more user-friendly online reporting form on our webpage at NJInsuranceFraud.org. By simplifying the reporting process we hope to encourage more consumers to join our fight to end insurance fraud.”
Information on what is insurance fraud and how to spot it is provided on the website. Identifying elder abuse committed against Medicaid recipients, or facilities receiving Medicaid funding, is also on the site.
Thompson will be giving interviews about the fraud issue throughout the month.
Anonymous tips about insurance cheating can be made to 877-55-FRAUD or njinsurancefraud.org.
Informants whose information leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction for insurance fraud are permitted a reward under state regulations.
