Social Media Posts Helps ICBC Catch Fraudsters

ICBC has released its top cyber fraud files from 2015 and a shameful story from a Kelowna woman and a Kamloops man has landed on the list.

Last month, ICBC released its most outrageous fraud files for 2015, but this new list includes cases that were busted thanks to social media. The 2015 list includes a man who set his own vehicle on fire, a woman who was involved in a crash but still able to participate in roller derby, and a severely injured man who managed to compete in a 12-mile obstacle course.

All of the people were caught in a lie thanks to keen detective work and posts on social media. Many of those who exaggerate claims expose their own lies by posting photos and updates on their social media profiles that are inconsistent with their claims.

Insurance industry estimates indicate 10 to 20 per cent of auto insurance claims contain an element of fraud or exaggeration. Meaning, fraudulent claims like these costs B.C. up to $600 million each year, or every driver more than $100 on their annual insurance policy.

In 2015, ICBC opened 2,350 cyber cases and over the years, investigators have been continuously training to help detect fraud. Later this year, ICBC even plans of purchasing special fraud software to help flag patterns and high predictors of fraud at the beginning of the claims process.

Here are some cases that happened in 2015 of people caught red-handed online:

Roller Derby Ruse
After getting into a crash, a woman complained that her injuries were preventing her from going back to work as a hairdresser. But according to her Facebook and Twitter accounts, although she may not have been able to go to work, she still had the energy to go hiking, running, and join a roller derby team. A rising star on the rink, her updates regaled the many injuries she incurred as one of the 'hardest hitters' on the team. When confronted with the evidence, the woman agreed fair compensation was about half of what she was originally demanding, and she settled her claim.

Kung Fu Cure
A Lower Mainland man claimed that he was unable to go back to his desk job due to his injuries, following a collision in Vancouver. Shortly after his claim was submitted, investigators found pictures of him on Facebook showcasing his athletic prowess, while supposedly recovering from his crash. In one photo, posted by a friend, he's seen crossing the finish line of a grueling 12-mile obstacle race in Whistler. In another, it's a video of him taking down an opponent at a mixed martial arts facility. After the evidence was shown to him, he quickly settled his claim, citing a miraculous recovery from his injuries.

When There's Smoke…
A Kamloops man reported to police and ICBC that his truck – which he claimed was in good working condition – had been set on fire by vandals. The representative who took his claim smelled smoke, so ICBC's cyber investigators did some digging and found the same truck listed for sale on Craigslist. In the description, the owner revealed his motive when he wrote that he was putting his vehicle up for sale because he couldn't afford to pay for the repairs his truck sorely needed. Furthermore, the estimator inspecting the vehicle uncovered physical evidence confirming that the fire was suspicious. The man was denied payment on his claim, and was left with an idle truck.

Million Dollar Mischief
A Kelowna woman was involved in a minor MVA when she was hit by a motorcycle while walking in a crosswalk with friends. The case went to trial where she demanded $1 million for her injuries. In court, the judge heard the woman make inconsistent statements, and found the reports from her father and medical providers contradictory to her claims as well. ICBC investigators also submitted social media posts that challenged her claims. As a result of the overwhelming amount of evidence that showed she had grossly exaggerated her injuries, the judge denied her $1 million request and awarded her only $20,000 for her actual injuries. She was also required to pay for ICBC's legal costs – about $34,000.