You’ve had the experience: opening your vehicle insurance renewal policy, and groaning as you digest the cost to maintain coverage for another year – and on an asset of declining value. But the value of the car itself is of less consequence in calculating the premium than you might think. The Auditor General of Ontario  more...

The video below (just over 4 minutes) shows how thieves can electronically read your credit card without taking your wallet out of your pocket or purse.  They do this by using Radio Frequency Identification Techno more...

Everybody is aware of the growing tide of identity theft. But this is surprising to many: professional identity theft is running rampant in the healthcare industry.  One insider called it “the cancer that we’re fighting every day”. Here’s how it works: a fraudster uses the name and professional registration number of a physician, chiropractor or  more...

We’ve heard lots of media noise about Ontario’s new auto insurance reforms – more cost, less coverage. But if you are interested in more light and less heat, consider 3 critical messages needing to receive some airplay: 1. Rapidly rising medical costs: Car insurance premiums are not just about repairing glass and metal. Almost half  more...

Your computer poses your greatest vulnerability to identity theft. Like so many powerful tools, the internet has significant capacity to be helpful, and to expose you to harm. Here are 6 common blunders to avoid as you manage the risk of consumer fraud and identity theft on the web: Assuming you’re protected when you’re not  more...

It’s a fact: fraud costs in Ontario vehicle insurance dramatically exceed that of any other part of the country. And Ontario drivers are paying heavily for that dubious distinction. It is calculated that of Ontario’s $9 billion in annual auto premiums, $1.3 billion is paid out on suspected fraudulent claims –  and not for glass  more...

Canadian Consumers are advised of a current fraud scheme. Phone calls are being made to Ontario consumers stating that upcoming auto insurance regulatory changes will reduce their current coverage. The callers identify themselves as Aviva representatives and then ask for the customer’s credit card information. This is an attempt to steal your money. Aviva does  more...

Recent studies indicate that consumer’s attitude towards insurance fraud is “softening” – that is, more people find it morally acceptable to commit insurance fraud, particularly during a period of economic downturn. In Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) estimates that between 10% and 15% of all claims paid contain an element of fraud. Premeditated  more...