Stamping Out Fraud: Protect Yourself During International Fraud Awareness Week

Insurance is designed to give you peace of mind, whether you’re safeguarding your property or planning for the unexpected. However, while most people use it responsibly, fraud committed by a small number of bad actors ends up raising costs for everyone else.

International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17 to 22, 2025) is a chance to understand how fraud happens and how you can protect yourself.

Across the Commonwealth, fraudulent insurance claims total more than $20 million each year, with millions more in attempted scams. To help fight this issue, the Virginia General Assembly created the Insurance Fraud Program (IFP), operated by the Virginia State Police. This statewide initiative raises awareness, trains law enforcement and encourages citizens to report suspicious activity.

Learn more below about the Insurance Fraud Program and how you can help protect yourself, your community and your Rockingham Insurance policy from the impact of insurance fraud.

What is the Insurance Fraud Program?

The Virginia State Police’s Insurance Fraud Program is committed to “Stamping Out Fraud” through public education and law enforcement support. This initiative is designed to help Virginians recognize and report fraudulent claims, such as staged auto accidents or inflated property damage, and provides training to investigators across the state.

Nationwide, fraud costs consumers almost $309 billion each year and can add up to $1,000 to the cost of goods and services. By working together to prevent and report fraud, we can help lower these costs and protect honest policy holders.

Common Types of Fraud That Could Affect Your Policy

Vehicle-Related Scams

The Virginia State Police frequently encounter vehicle-related schemes that place drivers at risk for unexpected costs and fraudulent claims. These can include staged crashes, inflated repair bills or attempts to lure drivers into situations that lead to false reports.

Staged or Forced Accidents

Criminals may deliberately create or manipulate a collision. Watch for:

• Sudden braking with no clear reason
• Tailgating or aggressive driving
• Attempts to wave you into traffic
• Pressure to avoid calling law enforcement

If a collision occurs, document the scene with photos, gather information and notify police immediately.

Exaggerated or Fraudulent Repair Claims

Dishonest repair shops or third-party operators may inflate damage estimates or charge for work that was never completed. Red flags include:

• Tow trucks or contractors who show up without being called
• Refusal to provide a written estimate
• Urgency to being repairs right away
• Suggestions to not contact your insurance provider

Reach out to your local Rockingham Insurance agent before approving any repairs.

Driver Targeting Scams

Some scammers try to create situations that result in false claims. Be cautious if you encounter:

• Someone insisting that you hit their vehicle when no contact occured
• A driver motioning for you to pull over for a fake mechanical issue
• Pedestrians staging an accident
• Stories that shift or do not make sense

If something feels off, document the interaction and alert authorities.

How to Protect Yourself

Stay attentive on the road and trust your instincts if a situation seems unusual. Leave space between vehicles, document any accident thoroughly and contact both law enforcement and your agent. Quick reporting helps prevent fraudulent claims from affecting your coverage.

Shady Contractors

After storms or property damage, some contractors use high-pressure or misleading tactics to take advantage of homeowners. These behaviors can lead to unnecessary repairs, inflated costs, or incomplete work.

Common Red Flags

• Unannounced visits from a contractor claiming they were in the area
• Immediate pressure to sign a contract
• Requests for large upfront payments
• Refusal to provide written estimates or proof of licensing
• Promises to waive your deductible
• Suggestions to avoid involving your insurance company

How to Protect Yourself

Verify licensing with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, check reviews and request written estimates before agreeing to work. If you feel uncertain about coverage or next steps, your agent can help you move forward confidently.

Inflated Property or Renters Claims

Inflating or falsifying a claim is a serious crime that impacts honest policyholders through higher premiums and stricter policy terms. Even small misrepresentations can qualify as fraud.

Warning Signs

• Pressure to include items that were not lost
• Suggestions to exaggerate damage
• Requests to sign incomplete or unclear documents
• Claims that exaggeration is necessary to receive fair payment

How to Protect Yourself

Maintain a simple home inventory with photos and receipts, and store digital copies somewhere secure. Clear records help ensure an accurate claim and protect your policy from complications. If you are unsure about what to include, your agent can answer questions and keep the process on track.

Help Stamp out Fraud

The Insurance Fraud Program makes it easy to report suspicious activity. If you suspect insurance fraud has taken place, you can submit a confidential tip through the Virginia State Police’s secure online form at StampOutFraud.com. Tips that lead to a conviction may qualify for a reward of up to $25,000.

Together, Rockingham Insurance and the Virginia State Police are working to protect Virginians from fraud. If you ever feel uncertain about what to do, your trusted Rockingham Insurance agent is just a call away. By staying informed and alert, you are helping to keep insurance fair, affordable and reliable for everyone.