Publication date: 30.05.2024
Lawyer with 15 years of legal experience, specialization: family and civil law, inheritance, contract law, criminal cases, administrative cases, cases involving foreigners, migration law
Insurance fraud is one of the most complex and widespread types of economic crime in Ukraine. It is a crime that not only causes financial losses to insurance companies, but also undermines public confidence in insurance services. In this article, we will examine the legal aspects of insurance fraud and the specifics of court practice in this area.
Types of insurance fraud
- Fictitious insurance claims: This is the most common type of fraud where false claims are made about insurance events that did not actually occur. For example, staging car accidents or fires.
- Overstating the amount of losses: In the case of a real insured event, policyholders may deliberately overstate the amount of damage to receive a larger insurance payment.
- Forgery of documents: The use of false documents to confirm an insured event or to obtain an insurance policy.
- Abuse by insurance agents: Insurance agents may take money from clients for insurance policies that do not actually exist or enter false information in insurance documents.
Case law
The case law on insurance fraud in Ukraine is quite diverse and includes both cases of fictitious insurance claims and overstatement of losses. In recent years, courts have increasingly imposed severe penalties for such crimes in order to prevent repeat fraud.
- Handling fictitious insurance claims: In most cases involving fictitious insurance claims, the courts impose imprisonment or significant fines, especially if multiple individuals or the use of forged documents are proven.
- Overstatement of damages: In cases of overstatement of losses, the courts often impose restrictions on liberty or suspended sentences, taking into account the material damage caused to the insurance company.
- Fraud by insurance agents: Cases involving insurance agent fraud often result in substantial prison sentences, especially if it is proven that the actions were systematic and caused significant losses to clients.
Ways to protect yourself
- Thorough verification of documents: Insurance companies should conduct a thorough review of the documents submitted for insurance claims to prevent fraud. This includes the use of special software to detect forgeries and verification of data in public registers.
- Internal audit and control: It is important to carry out internal audits and control over the activities of insurance agents and employees in order to detect possible abuses and fraudulent activities in time.
- Cooperation with law enforcement agencies: Effective cooperation with law enforcement agencies allows for a quick response to fraud and ensures that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
- Legal support: Engaging lawyers to provide legal support to insurance companies and victims of fraud is an important step in the fight against this crime. Lawyers can assist in collecting evidence, drafting claims and representing you in court.
If you have been a victim of insurance fraud or want to protect your rights, contact professional lawyers. On the Consultant.net.ua website, you will find experienced professionals who specialise in criminal cases, including fraud under Article 190 of the Criminal Code. A fraud lawyer under Article 190 of the Criminal Code will provide you with professional assistance at all stages of the case. If you need a Fraud Lawyer or a Lawyer under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, please contact our experts for quality legal support.
Conclusion
Insurance fraud is a complex and multifaceted crime that requires a comprehensive approach to its investigation and prevention. Legal aspects and court practice demonstrate the need for severe punishment for fraudsters and effective protection of victims' rights. Contacting qualified lawyers is an important element in fighting fraud and protecting your interests.
