INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR JOBS
Insurance Fraud Investigators are directled to investigate insurance claims that have the red flag indicators fraud. Insurance investigators, also called fraud investigators, usually work within the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which may or may not be part of the Claims Division of this Insurance Carrier. Many SIU employees work from homes and extensive travel may be required.
Insurance Fraud Investigators in an insurance company’s special investigative unit handle claims in which the company suspects fraudulent or criminal activity, such as arson, falsified workers’ disability claims, staged accidents, or unnecessary medical treatments. The severity of insurance fraud cases can vary greatly, from claimants simply overstating the damage to a vehicle to complicated fraud rings responsible for many claimants and supportedby dishonest doctors, lawyers, and even insurance personnel.
Investigators usually start with a database search to obtain background information on claimants and witnesses. Investigators can access certain personal information and identify Social Security numbers, aliases, driver’s license numbers, addresses, phone numbers, criminal records, and past claims histories to establish whether a claimant has ever attempted insurance fraud. Then, Insurance investigators may visit claimants and witnesses to obtain a recorded statement, take photographs, and inspect facilities, such as doctors’ offices, to determine whether the doctors have a proper license. Investigators often consult with legal counsel and can be expert witnesses in court cases.
Often, investigators also perform surveillance work. For example, in a case involving fraudulent workers’ compensation claims, an investigator may covertly observe the claimant for several days or even weeks. If the investigator observes the subject performing an activity that is ruled out by injuries stated in a workers’ compensation claim, the investigator will take video or still photographs to document the activity and report it to the insurancecompany. |