Winnipeg, Manitoba — Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has once again released its top five instances of automotive fraud in 2024, highlighting driver’s creative and often outrageous attempts at gaming the system.
In the recently released report, the public insurance provider indicates that the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) saved Manitoba ratepayers $15 million in attempted auto fraud.
Check out the summaries of some of the top five instances of fraud below, and click here to see the full report.
Super Shopper
Following a minor vehicle collision, the claimant reported to MPI that they were barely able to move and further stated that because of the extent of their injuries, they needed assistance at home with all tasks.
However, when investigated by an SIU team, surveillance found the claimant shopping on multiple occasions for hours at a time, carrying bags and walking to the mall.
In the end, the claimant had to pay MPI back almost $5,000 for fraudulent benefits.
Sniper Fire
As an individual was checking on their vehicle, which was parked in a vacant lot, they claimed that an unknown cyclist passed by and urged them to move their vehicle. As a result, they obtained a five-day temporary policy for the vehicle—as it was uninsured—so that they could move it.
However, when the individual returned to the vehicle, they told MPI that a window was suddenly shattered by a suspected gunshot. Local fire and police were called to the scene minutes later as the vehicle’s interior was on fire. Here, they found no evidence of gunfire.
As a result, the SIU team learned that the temporary policy was purchased 45 minutes before the fire. Additionally, the individual in question was observed next to the open vehicle by a nearby security camera just six minutes before the fire was detected and reported.
Further, the investigation revealed that the vehicle had not been capable of starting, running or being driven in its current state as many of the parts had been removed or disconnected.
The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $9,000, says MPI.
