An investigation on behalf of six major insurers has resulted in the prosecution of a serial insurance defrauder at St Albans Crown Court.
Jenny Scholtke, 38, of Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, pleaded guilty to six offences and asked for a further 42 similar offences to be taken into consideration.
The charges arose from an investigation into her activities over the past two years, carried out on behalf of Admiral, Direct Line, Royal & SunAlliance, Zurich, Churchill, and Legal & General.
The information was passed to fraud specialists Farleys Claims Solutions who prepared a full file on the investigation and submitted it to Hertfordshire Police.
Scholtke had taken out numerous household and motor policies, many of which were followed within days or even hours by fake claims.
Typically, she provided false payment details and would rely on sympathy for a recent family bereavement to obtain further services or early settlement of her claims. In each case it was the same family member who she claimed had died.
Admiral underwriter Andrew Evans, said: “We're disappointed that Scholtke only received a probationary sentence.
“We're determined to fight fraud and this is an example of how proper exchange of intelligence and thorough investigation can bring results.
“Despite using various aliases she was identified as a persistent fraudster by advanced fraud detection systems which UK insurers are now using to combat fraud.
“Honest policyholders increasingly recognise that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and that ultimately they end up picking up the bill.
He said Admiral would be lobbying for tougher sentences for serial insurance fraud.
