Jewelry Theft and Fraud Claim Trends

Editor’s Note: As part of an expanded editorial approach, Claims is offering first-run, feature-length articles on our web site before they appear in our monthly print issue. These articles will be clearly marked and are intended to expand the editorial breadth of the magazine while at the same time delivering even more useful and educational insights to our readers. We hope you find this extended coverage helpful.

The way Tonnie Tolliver told it to the police, he was at a Wisconsin ATM machine when he was the victim of an armed robbery. He told police that he had lost cash and jewelry valued at $5,080. Three days later, he filed a loss with his insurer claiming all his scheduled jewelry — valued at $33,390 — was stolen. The claim was paid.