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How to Report Insurance Fraud: Stop Scams That Cost Everyone Money

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026  ·  Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher  ·  Independent resource — not a government site

Quick answer

Report insurance fraud to your state Department of Insurance fraud division at naic.org/state_web_map.htm. For Medicare or Medicaid fraud call HHS OIG at 1-800-447-8477. Reports can be anonymous and rewards may be available.

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Last verified: June 14, 2026 All contact numbers, websites, and procedures confirmed current.

Quick answer: Report insurance fraud to your state’s Department of Insurance fraud division — find yours at naic.org/state_web_map.htm. For health insurance fraud involving Medicare or Medicaid, contact HHS OIG at 1-800-447-8477. Most states also have dedicated fraud hotlines and offer rewards for tips.

Insurance fraud costs the U.S. over $308 billion per year, and it overlaps with many common scams. For guidance on spotting advance-fee fraud and other schemes, visit ScamReporting.org. — and every American pays for it through higher premiums. It includes staged car accidents, fake injury claims, arson for insurance money, inflated repair estimates, and health providers billing for services never rendered. Reporting it is free, usually anonymous, and many states offer cash rewards for tips that lead to convictions.

Types of Insurance Fraud You Can Report

Insurance fraud falls into two categories. Hard fraud involves deliberately staging events — fake accidents, arson, fake theft, or filing claims for injuries that never happened. Soft fraud involves exaggerating legitimate claims — inflating repair costs, adding items to a theft claim, or misrepresenting a pre-existing injury. Both are criminal offences. You can report either type.

Where to Report Insurance Fraud

Type of FraudAgencyContact
Auto, home, life insurance fraudState Insurance Departmentnaic.org/state_web_map.htm
Health insurance fraudState Insurance Dept + HHS OIG1-800-447-8477
Medicare / Medicaid fraudHHS OIGoig.hhs.gov
Workers compensation fraudState Workers Comp BoardVaries by state
Staged auto accidentsNICB + local policenicb.org | 1-800-835-6422
Your own insurance company fraudState Insurance Commissionernaic.org

How to Report Insurance Fraud Step by Step

  1. Identify the type of fraud and gather evidence. Note specific details — names, dates, policy numbers, vehicle information, witness names, and any documentation you have. The more specific your report, the more actionable it is for investigators.
  2. Report to your state Department of Insurance. Every state has an insurance fraud division. Go to naic.org/state_web_map.htm to find your state’s department. Most have online reporting forms and anonymous tip lines.
  3. Contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) for auto fraud. The NICB is the industry’s primary fraud investigation organisation. Report staged accidents, VIN fraud, and auto theft fraud at nicb.org or call 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). Anonymous tips accepted.
  4. Report to the insurance company directly. Every major insurer has a Special Investigations Unit (SIU). If you witness fraud against an insurer — or by an insurer — contact their SIU directly through the company’s website.
  5. Report health insurance fraud to HHS OIG. For fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid, or federally regulated health plans, file at oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud or call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
  6. File a police report for criminal fraud. Staged accidents, arson, and faked injuries are criminal matters. File a police report with your local department — investigators can access accident reports, medical records, and surveillance footage that you cannot.
  7. Check for reward programmes. Many state fraud bureaus and the NICB offer cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests or convictions. Ask specifically about reward eligibility when you file your report.
  8. Document your own claim carefully if you are a victim. If someone is committing fraud that affects your policy (staged accident with you, fraudulent claim against your business), document everything and notify your own insurer’s SIU immediately.

State-Specific Insurance Fraud Reporting

In California, report to the California Department of Insurance fraud division at insurance.ca.gov — California offers rewards up to $10,000 for tips. In Florida, contact the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud at myfloridacfo.com/division/dif — Florida has one of the highest rates of insurance fraud in the U.S. In New York, report to the NY Department of Financial Services at dfs.ny.gov. In Texas, contact the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov/fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report insurance fraud anonymously?
Yes. Most state insurance fraud divisions and the NICB accept anonymous reports. You can provide a tip without giving your name, though providing contact information may allow investigators to follow up and increases the chance of action being taken.
What happens after I report insurance fraud?
Your report goes to the state fraud division or the insurer’s Special Investigations Unit. Investigators may conduct surveillance, review medical records, interview witnesses, and work with law enforcement. If fraud is confirmed, criminal charges can be filed and the fraudster may face fines, restitution, and imprisonment.
Is exaggerating an insurance claim considered fraud?
Yes. Intentionally inflating a claim — even a legitimate one — is insurance fraud and is a criminal offence in all 50 states. This includes adding items to a theft claim that were not stolen, or exaggerating the extent of an injury to receive higher compensation.
Can I get a reward for reporting insurance fraud?
Possibly. The NICB and several state fraud bureaus offer financial rewards for tips that lead to arrests or convictions. California offers up to $10,000. Ask about reward programmes when you file your report and provide as much detail as possible.
What if my insurance company is committing fraud against me?
Report your insurer to your state Insurance Commissioner — this is a separate process from reporting policyholders. Insurers can commit fraud through bad faith claims handling, improper denials, and misrepresenting policy terms. Your state commissioner has enforcement authority over licensed insurers.

For related guides see: How to Report Medicare Fraud, How to Report Someone to the IRS, and our Fraud & Scams Reporting Hub.

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