Stumar Investigations has years of experience in insurance fraud matters. One of the most common forms of insurance fraud is the exaggeration of injuries sustained in an accident or an on-the-job injury, known as workers’ compensation. For example, a claimant in a vehicle accident who sustained genuine injuries may exaggerate their extent, their affect on the ability to work or enjoy life, and the length of time it takes for the injuries to heal. Such exaggerations are made with the intention of receiving a higher claim from the insurance company.

Because many injuries can be exceptionally difficult to quantify, such as psychological issues or soft tissue injuries, we are often called upon to verify what the claimant says is true. For example, if a claimant states that he or she cannot work, we can arrange for an independent medical exam. We will also be assigned the task of surveillance to verify the claimants’ daily activities and limitations using our high tech cameras, capable of night vision, as well as decoy cameras to obtain video in supermarkets, malls, health clubs and night clubs.

Another, lesser known fraud is making a claim on an insurance policy for injuries sustained before the policy came into effect. For example, in a car accident, a person may claim to have sustained a debilitating back injury. On investigation, however, it can be learned that the injury had been sustained in an incident some months or even years before. Very often, insurance companies and Stumar’s agents will review medical reports and history to eliminate this possibility, as well as search for evidence of previous claims or accidents, by conducting neighborhood interviews, public record searches and other searches included, but not limited to, canvassing hospitals or other medical providers.

There are also many forms of fraud involving property, some of which have received more attention in the media due to the higher monetary value of the insurance policies. An example would be a person with valuable assets (e.g., boats, show cars, or horses) who deliberately destroys them, often through arson, with the intention of then claiming the value back through insurance. Art collectors can also insure a high value piece and then have it 'stolen,' claiming the money for themselves and keeping the art piece in the process. Stumar has often proven these claims to be fraudulent, and with our extensive relationships with law enforcement, has worked hand in hand with them to create reports, deemed reliable in court and oftentimes used to prosecute and convict these criminals.