The Manitoba Public Insurance building in downtown Winnipeg. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Public Insurance has released its much-anticipated annual list of the top five frauds investigators caught this year.
MPI‘s special investigations unit (SIU) probed several fishy claims in 2024, saving ratepayers $15 million in attempted auto frauds.
“The expertise and dedication of our SIU team in their investigation of suspicious claims is so valuable to MPI and its customers,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s vice-president and chief
customer and product officer.
“Their hard work of detecting and combatting fraudulent claims has contributed to MPI closing 3,548 investigations in 2024, and saving millions for MPI customers.”
MPI’s Top 5 Frauds in 2024
- The Super Shopper: A claimant alleged severe injuries after a car accident, stating they could barely walk, couldn’t stand for more than five minutes, and needed help with basic tasks like dressing and cooking. They even claimed they couldn’t shop or work anymore. However, investigators found surveillance footage of them power-walking through malls, carrying multiple shopping bags, and showing no signs of pain—except during medical appointments. Benefits were ceased, and the claimant had to repay nearly $5,000. Fraud savings: $1.8 million.
- Sniper Fire Fraud: A claimant purchased a temporary insurance policy just before claiming their vehicle was set on fire after a supposed sniper attack. They said a gunshot shattered a window before the fire, but investigators found no evidence of gunfire and discovered the claimant had been next to the vehicle just minutes before the fire started. Further inspection showed the car was non-operational, making the claim even more suspicious. Fraud savings: $9,000.
- Phantom Driver: After a high-speed crash that rolled another vehicle, a claimant claimed they weren’t driving and blamed an unknown person for the collision. They stated they had been drinking at home while someone else drove their car. However, evidence showed the claimant’s car had been travelling at 180 km/h, and the passenger seat was empty at the time of the crash. The claimant admitted to being intoxicated, and their claim was denied. Fraud savings: $59,000.
- Rascally Rabbit Ruse: A driver claimed they swerved to avoid an animal, causing their vehicle to flip. They said they were driving cautiously at 50 km/h. Investigators obtained vehicle data, which revealed the car had been speeding over 100 km/h with 100% acceleration and a hard brake. When confronted, the claimant admitted their child had taken the car without permission. Fraud savings: $33,000.
- Pole-Shaped Deer: A customer reported hitting a deer while driving on the highway, resulting in severe damage to their vehicle. While deer hair was present, investigators discovered the damage was inconsistent with a wildlife collision and more indicative of hitting a fixed object, like a pole. The claimant was trying to disguise pre-existing damage with a fabricated story. Fraud savings: $13,600.
Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the MPI tips line at (204) 985-8477 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-877-985-8477 outside of Winnipeg.
