Aviva catches ‘injured’ fraudster on reality TV show and riding rollercoaster

Aviva’s counter fraud team identified over 6,000 fraudulent insurance claims in the first half of 2025, amounting to total value of over £60m, or £334,000 a day.

Fraudsters were identified by a variety of methods. For example, an individual attempted to claim for a damaged phone and watch, supporting the claim with photographic “evidence” that was copied from photos found online.

In another case, an individual used a photoshopped document which they dated 31 November – a date that doesn’t exist.

Meanwhile, a customer claimed they suffered life-changing injuries after slipping in a puddle.

However, suspicions were raised when they appeared on a reality TV show and further enquiries revealed an ongoing active lifestyle. Evidence showing them lifting, twisting, crouching and even riding rollercoasters.

The firm said the figures marked an increase from the previous period, but also reported that despite the rise in crimes, its counter fraud team had safeguarded its customers from the “harmful effects of fraud, backed by a robust defence and deterrence strategy”.

Indeed, prison sentences resulting from fraudulent claims detected by Aviva have already totalled over 32 years in 2025 – when counting both custodial and suspended sentences – nine years more than the entirety of 2024.

Large volumes

Pete Ward, head of claims counter fraud at Aviva, said: “As our latest figures show, we continue to detect large volumes of opportunistic and organised claims fraud. The increase in detected fraud reflects our commitment to protecting honest customers from the physical, emotional and financial consequences of fraud.

“Whilst some fraudsters are clearly more sophisticated than others, the wide range of claims fraud we have seen so far this year shows how important it is that we continue to investigate any claims that ring alarm bells.

“It is really encouraging to see that our continued investment in our fraud detection capabilities is leading to more fraudsters being caught out. If you commit fraud, you are increasingly likely to be caught and will have to face the consequences. We will continue to work with the industry and law enforcement to stop innocent customers being affected by the illegal actions of fraudsters.”