Insurance Fraud Bureau New Zealand

04/09/2026

Exaggerating the value of a claim is still fraud. Even small inflations can result in cancelled policies, loss of cover, and in serious cases, prosecution.. https://ifb.org.nz/what-is-fraud/what-causes-fraud/

24/08/2026

Rounding up a claim. Leaving a detail off an application. Asking a tradesperson to bump up a quote to cover your excess. None of it feels like "real" fraud, but it is, and it's far more common than staged crashes or forged paperwork.

Our latest blog breaks down "soft fraud": what it looks like, why it still counts as a criminal offence in NZ, and why even small dishonesty adds up to real cost for every policyholder.

Read more: https://ifb.org.nz/blog/soft-fraud-padding-a-claim-is-still-fraud/

Summary: Not all insurance fraud looks like a staged crash or a forged document. Most of it is smaller than that: rounding up a genuine claim, leaving a detail off an application, or asking a tradesperson to bump up a quote. This blog looks at so-called “soft fraud,” why it still counts as a cri...

19/08/2026

Committing insurance fraud can have serious consequences.

Have you considered the impact on your future?

➡️ You could lose your job or struggle to find new employment.
➡️ You may not be able to travel internationally if you have a criminal record.
➡️ You may be unable to take out insurance if you ever wanted to set up your own business.
➡️ A criminal record shows up in background checks which may stop you from applying for certain jobs, or helping out on your children's school camp, where police checks are required: https://ifb.org.nz/what-is-fraud/impact-of-fraud/

12/08/2026

🔍 About the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB)

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is an initiative by the Insurance Council of New Zealand, dedicated to detecting and deterring general insurance fraud across the country.

Together, we're building a stronger, more secure insurance environment for everyone. To find out more head to our website now: https://ifb.org.nz/

04/08/2026

In Aotearoa, insurers use the Insurance Claims Register (ICR) to help detect insurance fraud and stop double-dipping. It holds up to 10 years of claims data and helps protect fair insurance for everyone. This keeps the system honest while also being fair to genuine claimants.

Kia tūpato / be careful when making a claim. Accuracy matters, and your history can be checked.

Learn more about our partners here:

https://ifb.org.nz/about-the-ifb/partners/

28/07/2026

One dishonest claim can cost all of us.

Insurance works as a shared pool. Most people are honest, but fraud drives up costs for everyone. When fraud happens, it doesn’t just affect insurers. It affects your whānau / family, your neighbours, and your future cover.

Kia tika te mahi / do the right thing and learn more about the impact of fraud: https://ifb.org.nz/what-is-fraud/impact-of-fraud/

20/07/2026

Ever felt like your insurer was treating you like a suspect after a genuine claim? You're not imagining it, and it's not personal.

In our latest blog, we break down why insurers ask for receipts, timelines and extra details on every claim, what they're actually checking for, and why that scrutiny is what keeps things fair (and premiums down) for every honest policyholder.

Read the full blog here: https://ifb.org.nz/blog/why-insurers-ask-so-many-questions-and-why-thats-a-good-thing/

Suspect someone else isn't being honest with a claim? Report it confidentially at: https://ifb.org.nz/report-fraud/

14/07/2026

Be careful before you submit a claim.

Even small exaggerations or leaving out details can accidentally turn a claim into tinihanga inihua / insurance fraud. It might feel harmless in the moment, but it can cost you your cover later. If you’re unsure, talk it through with your insurer first. Honest answers help protect your future insurance.

Kia tika te mahi / do the right thing and learn more here: https://ifb.org.nz/what-is-fraud/types-of-fraud/

07/07/2026

One text message was all it took to lose control of a phone number.

SIM swapping fraud is on the rise in Aotearoa. In this case, an Auckland man lost access to his number and nearly $20,000 after his SIM was hijacked. Scammers use urgency and trust to take over accounts fast.

Kia mataara / be vigilant if your phone suddenly stops working, or signals change. It could be a warning sign.

Pānui tonu ki konei / read more here:https://ifb.org.nz/news/sim-swapping-fraud-warning-after-mobile-number-hijacked-in-minutes-20k-lost/

Have you ever received a strange message about your mobile account?

03/07/2026

What do you need to tell your insurance company?

Honesty matters more than you think when you take out insurance or make a claim. Leaving out details or stretching the truth can lead to declined claims or cancelled cover. It can also be treated as insurance fraud. Be careful when filling in forms and always check that your details are correct.

Pānui tonu ki konei / read more about how insurance works here: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/about-insurance/