Editor's Note: Beginning thisweek, the Claims' staff is profiling several speakers who will bedispensing knowledge and offering insights during this year'sACE America'sClaims Event, which is being held from June 1-3, 2009,at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. We begin the coverage byinterviewing Joseph Werhle, NICB president and CEO, who will bedelivering a keynote presentation on June 2, 2009.

In a time of economic turmoil, many resort to unscrupulous waysto augment their incomes, committing insurance fraud and othercriminal acts. As the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)reports, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle arsons,owner give-ups, and theft of precious materials and other goods.Compounding the issue is the fact that criminal rings have becomemore sophisticated. Thus, the need to recognize prevalent schemesand take measures accordingly has never been more pronounced forinsurers and the organizations that support them.

One such organization with a legacy of spreading awareness andimmersing itself in anti-fraud initiatives is the NICB. In keepingwith its vision, NICB recently implemented an integrated businessplan that focuses on five core disciplines: data analytics,investigations, training, legislative advocacy, and publicawareness. In a keynote address slated for June 2, 2009, JosephWerhle, NICB president and CEO, will discuss this integrated planwhile helping insurers discern the many unsavory flavors of fraud.Werhle will also examine emerging trends and explore methods toquell fraud.