What is insurance fraud?

Insurance fraud involves dishonest information or claims connected with insurance. Report Fraud describes exaggerated losses, duplicate claims and false information used to obtain cover. 1

A separate risk for buyers is an unverified person selling a policy. Check the broker and insurer before relying on cover bought through social media. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. Someone supplies false details to obtain cover or claim a payment. 1
  2. The deception can involve invented losses or repeated claims for one loss. 1
  3. Buyers can also be approached by unverified people selling supposed policies. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes false claims that exaggerate a loss or claim twice for the same event. Its consumer advice also warns about insurance sold through social-media contacts. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • A supposed broker approaches you through a messaging app. 1
  • The seller requests cash or a bank transfer. 1
  • The insurer cannot verify the broker’s details. 1

What to do now

  1. Contact the insurer independently to check the broker’s identity. 1
  2. Tell your bank if you paid a suspected fraudulent seller. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Check the broker against recognised FCA or insurance-broker listings. 1
  • Verify a policy with the insurer rather than relying on the seller’s message. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can false information on an application be fraud?

Yes. Report Fraud describes false information used to obtain favourable insurance terms. 1

Is insurance fraud only about false claims?

No. Report Fraud also describes dishonest application information and warns buyers about unverified brokers. 1

How can I check a broker?

Report Fraud recommends checking recognised listings and contacting the insurance company directly. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Insurance fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).