Social media and claims

Read the ArticleInsurance fraud is an issue that costs the industry $40 billion each year in non-health insurance claims alone. The fact that there are currently 850 million Facebook users should prompt claims adjusters to look at the use of social media as a tool to further claims investigations. Social networking research and investigation is a required tool

The expectation that the number of Facebook users will grow to 1 billion by the end of this year is even more of reason.

There are various investigative uses for social media including:

•     Surveillance cases (photos, habits, activities)Locating witnesses, insured, claimant
•     Background information like character, habits, activities, financial information
•     Identifying relationships and/or accomplices

“Facebook evidence will corroborate other evidence that was found, such as a statement from a co-worker or witness, and surveillance, such as video,” as well as medical records that call in to question the plaintiff’s injuries and pictures that a property in question wasn’t damaged.

Adjusters should be aware that plaintiffs firms are now warning claimants to keep off of social media sites and to post fake information and comments such as, “Wow, my back is killing me. I’ve never been in this much pain.”

Social media should be “on the table” during an insurance fraud investigation?

Robert