Results of a recent study suggests that one in five American adults – a figure representing 45 million people – say they would consider defrauding insurance companies to be acceptable in certain circumstances. In fact, a full 76 percent of respondents admit that they’re more likely to commit insurance fraud during times of economic downturn.
Partner with Skilled Investigators to Support Your Internal SIU Team
Statistics show that insurance fraud costs American companies more than $80 billion a year. Fortunately, statistics also show that when insurance providers partner with skilled investigators who specialize in insurance fraud, their claims-associated financial losses are significantly reduced.
Brumell Group partners with your internal SIU Team to provide investigative services and support tailored to your specific needs. We conduct thorough investigations of insurance claims of all types, providing detailed written and visual documentation. Our investigations are proven to reduce claims payouts, or eliminate them altogether, saving insurance providers both money and valuable time. If / when fraud is determined, we submit our findings to the appropriate entity(s) for possible presentation, prosecution, and restitution.
Investigative Support Services
Our insurance investigations may cover any or all of the following, depending on your SIU team’s needs:
ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
Investigation into all aspects of accidents which include surveying and photographing an accident scene, locating and interviewing witnesses, video evidence and research into previous accident history relevant to the scene. Experts and engineering specialists are utilized.
ACTIVITY CHECK
Discreet canvass of the claimant’s neighborhood in an effort to determine the claimant’s day-to-day activities. Can be used as a prelude to surveillance.
AOE/COE, EUO STATEMENTS
Recorded interviews conducted to investigate compensability or to establish subrogation. Records, releases, photos, audio and/or video obtained. The Brumell Group employs dual-licensed field adjusters. (Transcription available.)
ASSETS SEARCH
Research of the claimant’s past and present assets in relation to the claim.
AUTO ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Investigation(s) into all aspects of auto claim to determine fraud indicators.
BACKGROUND
Profile or background information on an individual obtained through numerous database and/or local searches to assist in determining the history and character of the claimant. Due diligence may apply.
CASE ANALYSIS™
Conducted by a Certified Fraud Examiner who reviews all documents and information related to a claim to evaluate and detect red-flag indicators of fraud. A comprehensive report detailing this evidence is completed and presented with recommendations on how to proceed with the claim. The review may identify that enough evidence exists to present the claim to law enforcement authorities for possible prosecution where the claim can be successfully denied based on the fraud defense identified in the report.
CLINIC INSPECTIONS
On-site investigations to verify and canvas the facility itself, identify information and/or possible affiliation with other clinics. Through these inspections we can gather and identify solicitation and brokering, document and verify all equipment located within the premises, confirm the patient’s visits, and their frequency, obtain copies of sign in sheets, appointment records, files and file notes, and verify all personnel as well as medical and state licensing information.
CLINIC INVESTIGATIONS
A surveillance investigation can effectively identify and document the clinic’s hours of operations, their employees, physician and runners and their activities during the normal course of business and document the patient’s arrival and departure times.
CONTINUATION OF DISABILITY CHECK (ALIVE & WELL CHECK)
Personal contact with claimant to determine any significant change in lifestyle (death, marriage, upkeep of residence, etc.). Neighborhood canvas, etc. also conducted.
DATABASE SEARCHES / DOSSIER (STATEWIDE or NATIONWIDE)
Extensive investigative database research including but not limited to civil, criminal, motor vehicle, assets, judgments, claims histories, licensing and social networks to obtain up to 30 profile items on a subject/claimant. Research includes local records searches by county. *Availability may be limited in some states.
LIABILITY (ALL CASUALTY / BODILY INJURY / GL)
Investigation of the alleged accident in all areas of liability. Investigation includes, but is not limited to: background (claim, work, and asset history), interviews of witnesses, and surveillance to determine current activities and physical capabilities of the claimant/subject.
LIFE INSURANCE INVESTIGATION
Investigating acts of internal, agent, applications, renewal, underwriting and claim fraud, including contestable death.
MEDICAL FACILITY CANVAS (HOSPITAL / PHARMACY / MRI)
Medical history research to determine if claimant/subject has received treatment from local facilities. Potentially identifies treatment or physicians indicating pre-existing or additional injury or illness that could possibly negate or help to mitigate a claim. Retrieval of documentation may require medical release.
PERSONAL INJURY (PIP)
Investigation and research into claimant’s financial and claim history. Also, current activities are documented to determine the validity of the claim.
PROPERTY (FIRE / THEFT / BURGLARY / VANDALISM / HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE)
Investigation and research, including cause and origin, to determine the validity and compensability of the claim. Includes claimant’s financial stability, inflated claims, staged burglary, fabricated evidence, arson and false or misleading information/ documentation. Services may include, but are not limited to recorded statements, Examinations Under Oath (EUO), scene investigation and witness or neighbor statements.
Utilizing an industry-specific database we identify any and all online social network profiles related to a claimant. Online postings can be preserved and utilized to further other investigations and/or for evidentiary purposes in ongoing litigation.
SOCIAL NETWORK INVESTIGATION
We identify any and all online social network profiles, monitored at set intervals related to a claimant. Online postings can be preserved, creating a timeline of events, past, present and future. These can be utilized to further other investigations and/or for evidentiary purposes in ongoing litigation.
STATIONARY / COVERT CAMERAS
When surveillance is not practical we utilize stationary/covert cameras (interior/exterior) that we can deploy to record a subject’s activities 24/7 for several weeks at a time or we can remotely monitor the activity.
SURVEILLANCE
Surveillance is utilized to document the subject’s/claimant’s activities using covert, photographic and/or video equipment.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Surveillance is utilized to determine claimant’s present activities and physical capabilities in relation to the claimed injury using photographic video equipment. Also, background research is conducted relevant to past and present claim history.