Due to the growing pandemic threat of the virus and NICB’s overriding concern for the health and safety of our families, all NICB employees are currently being encouraged to work remotely from home. We expect that this will have an impact on how we serve our members and law enforcement partners. However, be assured that we are doing all we can to minimize that impact while continuing to protect the health and welfare of our employees. As with all catastrophes, we often see an accompanying influx of insurance fraud cases. Therefore, we know it is essential to be there for you as you navigate through what is likely uncharted territory.
We continue to follow carefully the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are taking measures to make sure our workplaces are safe for our employees. Per our business continuity plan, all NICB employees are equipped to work from home, and all of our in-person meetings will be virtual. If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in a particular region, please contact our regional directors who are available to offer assistance.
As a reminder, NICB offers virtual instructor-led training. Visit NICTA.org to register for the multiple courses that are facilitated every Tuesday and Thursday!
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Insurance Fraud
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is closely monitoring the potential for bad actors to exploit the global concerns regarding the coronavirus.
As the world continues to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, the potential exists for hackers to send fraudulent emails designed to trick people into downloading malicious software. These criminals may seek to access critical personal data and use it to commit insurance fraud.
We encourage you to educate yourself about the potential of online scams and to safeguard your information from those who would look to steal personal information.
For more Internet Crime Prevention Tips, check out the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. If you have been a victim of identity theft, we encourage you to contact the Federal Trade Commission. Also, our partners at the Cybercrime Support Network are here to help individual and small business victims find the help they need, including referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies when necessary.
Medical fraud in these already trying times is also of great concern. We should all be on the lookout for crooked physicians, attorneys, and patients attempting to commit insurance fraud by submitting false and exaggerated medical claims.
NICB remains vigilant and engaged with our law enforcement partners around the nation. We will continue to track potential fraud trends in the coming weeks. If you see a trend, please reach out to your NICB points of contact.
Stay well,
Joe Wehrle
NICB President and Chief Executive Officer