A woman has been arrested as part of a national clampdown on suspected fradulent insurance claims.
The 26-year-old from Rainhill was one of six people arrested as part of a major operation by the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), part of the City of London Police.
She was detained on suspicion of fraud by false representation in a case involving a wedding ring which was supposed to be lost in February.
However, officers allege analysis of the picture of the ring supplied as evidence shows it was taken after it had supposedly gone missing.
Police say the cases targeted in the crackdown would have led to insurance companies paying out £360,000 and fraudulent or inaccurate claims put as much as £50 on the annual premium for every policy holder.
Det Ch Insp Angie Rogers, head of IFED, said “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. If people think they can get away with exaggerating or making false claims they should know that the IFED has dealt with 1200 fraudsters since we began in 2011.
“Those caught making false claims will be dealt with, and where appropriate will be put in front of the courts and sent to jail.”
Other cases targeted in the crackdown include allegations of claims being made for items the offender still owned and doctored or forged invoices.
As well as making half a dozen arrests IFED officers also interviewed 42 people during the three-day operation.
Mark Allen, fraud and financial crime manager for the Association of British Insurers, said: “This concerted nationwide action led by IFED demonstrates how the insurance industry is determined to protect its honest policyholders by taking decisive action to identify and enforce against fraudsters.
“The risks associated with committing insurance fraud are simply not worth it. You’re now more likely than ever to get caught and suffer severe and long-lasting consequences.”
St Helens Reporter
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