Alert Residents Thwart Fraudster

ICBC Fraudster

Busted!

Duncan resident, Cory Point, didn't think anyone noticed when he crashed his truck into a median. But local residents did take notice — and action. Tips from the public led to Point netting a $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to providing false and misleading information to ICBC.

In August 2009, as Point entered the Trans-Canada Highway near Oyster Sto-lo Road in Ladysmith, he smashed into the centre median cement barrier damaging the front of his truck. Point left the scene, but several residents were concerned and called 911. Those witness reports were transferred to Ladysmith RCMP.

Several days later, Point filed a hit-and-run claim with ICBC, stating that someone must have backed into him in the Rutherford Mall parking lot in Nanaimo causing damage to the front of his truck. He also contacted the Nanaimo RCMP to file a hit-and-run police report.

Nanaimo RCMP, Ladysmith RCMP and ICBC's special investigation unit worked together in their investigation and thanks to the information provided by local residents, Point's claim was denied and he was charged with providing false and misleading information to ICBC.

"This is a great example of how we can all play a role in preventing fraudulent acts - reporting something of concern or suspicious can help us combat fraud," said Steven Tripp, manager of ICBC's special investigation unit. "We know the vast majority of our customers are honest and we're committed to protecting them."

ICBC estimates that fraud costs each of ICBC's 3.1 million customers in the range of $100 to $150 per year - that's why ICBC invests upwards of $8 million in fraud prevention each year.

ICBC takes all allegations seriously and follows up on all tips and information. Anyone with information regarding a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to call ICBC's fraud tips line at 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844, toll free from anywhere in the province. Tip information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.