Insurance Fraud

The Office of Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section is the largest law enforcement entity in Pennsylvania with authority to investigate and prosecute insurance fraud.

Insurance Fraud is one of the most costly white-collar crimes in America today, with estimated losses in the billions of dollars annually. And, the cost of this crime is paid for by all of us. Fraud not only increases our insurance rates, it also raises the cost of our consumer goods and services, business expenses and health care. It hits all of us where it hurts – in our pocketbooks.

For years, insurance fraud was tolerated as an unfortunate but somewhat inevitable “cost of doing business” in Pennsylvania. But as insurance rates and other costs continued to rise, Pennsylvanians decided that enough was enough. The General Assembly passed tough new anti-fraud legislation.

In 1990, the legislature made insurance fraud a serious crime in Pennsylvania, punishable by heavy fines and stiff prison sentences.

In 1994, legislation was enacted establishing the Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (IFPA) and a Fraud Trust Fund. All insurance companies, authorized to transact business in Pennsylvania, pay an annual assessment into the Fund. These funds provide financial support to the Insurance Fraud Section of the Office of Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies for the purpose of supporting insurance fraud investigations and prosecutions.

In 1996, the Insurance Fraud Section was officially launched by the Office of Attorney General.

NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS are used to fund the efforts of the Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section!

Since its inception, the Insurance Fraud Section has aggressively investigated and prosecuted all types of insurance fraud in Pennsylvania.

Our cases include all lines of insurance:

  • Auto
  • Homeowners
  • Health
  • Life
  • Disability
  • Agent/Industry Fraud
  • Workers’ Compensation

 

Insurance Fraud Resources

GET INFORMED

Insurance Fraud Topics

Explore key insurance fraud topics, resources, and guidance to help you understand your protections under the law and recognize potential violations. These resources cover common areas of insurance fraud—including auto, homeowners, health, life, disability, agent/industry fraud and workers’ compensation —so you can take informed action if you are impacted.

COMMONLY PERPETRATED ACTS

Types of Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud occurs when a person intentionally deceives an insurance company or policyholder for financial gain. It can happen at any stage of the insurance process, from obtaining coverage to submitting or processing a claim.

Types of Fraud

DON’T BECOME A VICTIM OF INSURANCE FRAUD

Insurance Fraud Prevention Tips

Stay informed and cautious to protect yourself from insurance fraud. Verify who you’re dealing with, understand requests before sharing information, and avoid rushed decisions. Simple precautions can help prevent financial loss, identity theft, and fraudulent claims.

Learn the Tips

WHO CAN HELP

Insurance Fraud Consumer Resources

If you have concerns about an insurance company, agent, broker, or claim, help may be available. Consumers can ask questions, file complaints, and seek assistance when they believe they have been treated unfairly.

Review the Resources

ASSISTANCE FOR INSURANCE INDUSTRY

Insurance Fraud Industry Resources

By working together, consumers, insurers, law enforcement, and regulators can help detect and prevent fraud. Reducing fraud saves money, protects resources, and promotes a fair and trustworthy insurance marketplace.

Review the Resources

INSURANCE FRAUD SECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Insurance Fraud Monthly Newsletter

Insurance fraud is constantly evolving, and staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your business. Our Insurance Fraud Newsletter provides the latest fraud trends, arrest and convictions.

View the Newsletters

PRIVATE AND INDUSTRY

Insurance Fraud Referrals

Report suspected insurance fraud — whether by an individual or business — to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Submit a referral with detailed information to help investigators protect consumers and maintain marketplace integrity.

Submit Referrals