Local authorities are in danger of becoming a soft target for fraudsters if risk management is neglected. That's according to Zurich Municipal.
Speaking at the ALARM Combating Fraud Seminar, Zurich Municipal fraud liaison manager, Glen Marr, highlighted new tactics to limit the growing impact of fraud.
Among several measures discussed, Marr called on local authorities to adopt a clearly documented anti-claims fraud strategy.
Marr said: "We must not overlook the fact that a fraudulent claim, whether made up or exaggerated, is a crime.
"With the number of fraudulent claims on the increase, and stiffer anti-claims fraud defences being put in place by insurers, fraudsters will always seek the softest targets and this, unfortunately, could be local authorities.
"Insurance fraud is costing the taxpayer money and taking resources away from vital frontline services. The problem will only snowball if not tackled straight away - it will not melt away on its own."
