The National Insurance Crime Bureau – Protecting Consumers, Fighting Crime

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1992 to combat insurance fraud and vehicle theft across the United States. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 insurance companies and self-insured organizations, and it partners with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to investigate and prevent insurance fraud and theft.

What is Insurance Fraud?

Insurance fraud is the deliberate misrepresentation or omission of information in order to obtain an insurance benefit that one is not entitled to. Insurance fraud can be committed by consumers, insurance agents, or healthcare professionals, and it can take many forms, including:

Insurance fraud is a serious crime that costs consumers billions of dollars every year, and it can also lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone. The NICB is dedicated to investigating and preventing insurance fraud in order to protect consumers and keep insurance costs down.

What is Vehicle Theft?

Vehicle theft is the unauthorized taking of a motor vehicle with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle. Vehicle theft can also include the theft of parts or accessories from a motor vehicle. Vehicle theft is a major problem in the United States, with more than 700,000 motor vehicles reported stolen every year.

The NICB works closely with law enforcement agencies across the country to investigate and prevent vehicle theft. The NICB also provides consumers with resources and information to help them protect their vehicles from theft.

How Does the NICB Work?

The NICB operates a variety of programs and initiatives to combat insurance fraud and vehicle theft. Some of the NICB’s key programs include:

Hot Wheels

The Hot Wheels program is a partnership between the NICB and law enforcement agencies across the country to recover stolen vehicles. The program uses license plate reader technology to scan license plates and identify stolen vehicles. In 2019, the Hot Wheels program helped recover more than 10,000 stolen vehicles.

CAT

The Combating Auto Theft (CAT) program is a partnership between the NICB and law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate vehicle theft. The program provides training and resources to law enforcement agencies to help them identify and recover stolen vehicles.

Medical Fraud Task Forces

The NICB operates Medical Fraud Task Forces across the country to investigate healthcare fraud. The task forces work with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to investigate fraudulent healthcare claims and prosecute those responsible.

How Can Consumers Protect Themselves?

Consumers can take a number of steps to protect themselves from insurance fraud and vehicle theft, including:

• Be wary of unsolicited offers for healthcare services or insurance benefits
• Check your insurance statements and bills for errors or fraudulent charges
• Install anti-theft devices on your vehicle
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when parked

By working together, consumers, law enforcement agencies, and the NICB can help prevent insurance fraud and vehicle theft, protecting consumers and keeping insurance costs down.