Wednesday, December 19, 2007

ICBC WIN FRAUD SUIT AGAINST NANAIMO MAN

NANAIMO RESIDENT ORDERED

TO PAY ICBC $87,000

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered Cole Owen Adams of Nanaimo to pay ICBC $87,337.90 in damages. The ruling concludes a civil action filed by ICBC against Adams in November 2006, related to four stolen vehicles claims from 2003.

ICBC was seeking to recover the costs paid out for the stolen vehicles claims, plus the costs to investigate, legal fees and punitive damages. On December 12, 2007, ICBC was awarded $47,337.90 in special damages for the recovery of all external and internal expenses, and $40,000 in punitive damages.

"We are very pleased with this award. It reinforces our zero tolerance for fraud," said Steve Tripp, ICBC manager of Fraud Prevention and Investigation. "We combat fraud to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which helps to keep rates low and stable," said Tripp.

The scheme was uncovered on February 5, 2004, when Nanaimo RCMP searched Adams' home and found three dismantled vehicles, and the license plate from the fourth stolen vehicle. The vehicles, a 1989 Honda Civic, 1999 Honda Civic, 1996 Acura and 1997 Honda Civic, were stolen from Nanaimo and Vancouver.

In addition to the civil action, Adams has also been convicted of possession of stolen property, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. He received a nine month conditional sentence, one year of probation and was fined a $100 victim service fee.

ICBC invests more in fraud prevention and investigation than most property and casualty insurance companies in Canada. Customers are encouraged to do their part to help fight fraud by reporting suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims. Information provided to ICBC's fraud tips line (604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844) is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.


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