Ghost broking crackdown led by IFED and IFB

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) has carried out a nationwide crackdown on ghost broking.
Ghost broking is when a fraudster sells a fake motor insurance policy to a motorist who then finds their policy is invalid when making a claim.
The crackdown, which followed new Insurance Fraud Bureau figures revealing a sharp spike in ghost broking activity, ran from 19-30 May with a series of targeted operations which resulted in two arrests.
Detective chief inspector Nik Jethwa, from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “Ghost brokers leave their victims out of pocket and exposed to the same consequences as uninsured drivers. As part of the national lead force for fraud, IFED is dedicated to working with our policing and industry partners across the country to disrupt these criminals and protect the public.”
Nowhere to hide
Jethwa continued: “Our collaborative work during this period has enabled us to stop offenders and gather intelligence, which we will now look to develop and act upon. The message of these operations is clear: there is nowhere to hide for criminals who sell fake insurance.
“IFED will use every tool at its disposal to hold offenders to account, including removing the assets they have obtained through criminal activity.”
John Davies, intelligence and investigations manager at the IFB, said: “We’re pleased to have collaborated with IFED in this vital action to combat ghost broking.
“Fraudulent motor insurance sales have devastating consequences. Victims are left out of pocket and emotionally distressed, and they’re also driving uninsured which puts innocent road users at risk.
“Our close collaboration with the police and insurers is crucial in stopping this latest rise in fraudsters who are targeting the public with bogus insurance deals. We urge everyone to watch out for the signs of ‘ghost broking’ activity, and to report any suspicions of insurance fraud to our confidential CheatLine.”