Governor Otter Signs Fraud Awareness Week Proclamation

Governor Otter signed a proclamation today declaring this week to be Idaho
Fraud Awareness Week. Fraud is a problem that all Idahoans must be aware of in order to
avoid becoming vicitms.
Fraud Awareness Week is being sponsored by the Idaho Department of Insurance along
with many business, community and insurance industry partners. Department of
Insurance Director Bill Deal said, “Insurance fraud alone causes increased premium rates
for Idahoans. We want to help the residents of Idaho be proactive in protecting
themselves against fraud.”
During Fraud Awareness Week Idaho residents are encouraged to attend free fraud
awareness seminars that are being held throughout the state. The schedule of locations,
times and dates for these classes is available on the Department’s website,
www.doi.idaho.gov.
The Department recently released a toll free fraud hotline for consumers to call with
information on fraudulent insurance activities they may be aware of. The number is 866-
939-SCAM.
Fraud is a crime that everyone pays for. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates
insurance fraud costs Americans nearly $30 billion each year. According to information
from the Northwest Insurance Council, Idahoans are not only paying for fraud with
higher insurance rates, but also higher taxes and higher prices for consumer goods.
The Department of Insurance wants to help Idaho residents with any insurance problems,
questions or complaints they may have. Call 334-4250 in Boise, 800-721-3272 toll free
statewide, or visit the website.