Bloomberg Signs Anti-Fraud Proclamation

The New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has proclaimed November 29 Insurance Fraud Prevention Day.

The group said the announcement was aimed at helping to educate New Yorkers about the costs and consequences of insurance fraud.

“New York City is committed to preventing [insurance] fraud from occurring in any shape or form. We are proud to join with the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud (NYAAIF) as it continues to educate New Yorkers about the adverse affects of this deceptive practice,” the mayor's Proclamation states.

NYAAIF said Insurance Fraud Prevention Day is designed to raise awareness of a crime which costs American consumers nearly $30 billion on an annual basis, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

NYAAIF noted that insurance fraud takes many forms, including persons who collect workers' compensation injury benefits although they are able to work and unscrupulous health care providers who bill twice for the same service.

The proclamation notes that “whether committed by sophisticated criminals or cheating customers, [insurance fraud] is a crime.”

NYAAIF said insurance companies in the state of New York have come together to fight insurance cheats.

It said the more than 100 members of the Alliance are focused on raising public awareness of insurance fraud in all its varieties, working in cooperation with the New York Insurance Department Frauds Bureau, the Insurance Department, Governor's Office and Legislature.

NYAAIF's mission is to raise public awareness about forms of insurance fraud, the cost to consumers and the consequences.

Frank Sztuk, NYAAIF president, said: “Mayor Bloomberg's Proclamation of Insurance Fraud Prevention Day provides a powerful tool in our arsenal, and we are greatly appreciative of his acknowledgement of this problem by dedicating the day of our Annual Meeting to be Insurance Fraud Prevention Day.”