Manitoba Public Insurance Fraud Investigations: Protecting Ratepayers from Costly Scams

Insurance fraud is often seen as a victimless crime, but in reality, it drives up costs for everyone. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the province’s Crown auto insurer, has made it clear that fraud is a serious issue—and one they are determined to fight. In 2025, MPI’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) reviewed more than 2,600 suspicious claims, preventing nearly $17 million in improper payouts.

This annual fraud report not only exposes the creativity of fraudsters but also underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting honest ratepayers.

The Top Five Fraud Cases of 2025

MPI shared five standout cases to illustrate the lengths some individuals go to in pursuit of undeserved benefits.

• The Injured Arsonist: A claimant who set fire to their own property later filed for injuries sustained in the blaze. Investigators uncovered the criminal act, voiding the claim.
• The Beer-Lifting Bodybuilder: After a minor collision, one driver claimed debilitating injuries that prevented them from working. Surveillance later revealed them lifting heavy beer kegs with ease.
• The Phantom Passenger: A driver attempted to add a “passenger” to a collision report to inflate injury claims. Investigators confirmed no such person was present.
• The Staged Collision: Two parties conspired to fake an accident, hoping to cash in on damage and injury benefits.
• The False Disability Claim: A claimant exaggerated medical issues to secure income replacement, but evidence showed they were fully capable of working.

Together, these five cases alone accounted for nearly $2 million in attempted fraud.

Why Fraud Matters

Fraudulent claims don’t just hurt insurance companies—they hurt everyone. MPI emphasized that insurance fraud increases premiums for all Manitobans, as costs are shared across the system. By exposing these cases, MPI hopes to raise awareness and encourage the public to report suspicious activity.

Fraud also undermines trust. Insurance is built on the principle of shared risk, where honest policyholders contribute to protect one another. When individuals exploit the system, they erode that trust and force higher costs onto the community.

How MPI Investigates

MPI’s SIU uses a combination of surveillance, data analysis, and tip-offs to uncover fraud. Investigators often rely on:

• Video evidence showing claimants engaging in activities inconsistent with reported injuries.
• Medical reviews to verify the legitimacy of disability claims.
• Cross-checking reports to identify inconsistencies in accident narratives.

This proactive approach ensures that fraudulent claims are caught before payouts occur, saving millions each year.

Lessons for Ratepayers

The MPI fraud report offers several takeaways for the public:

• Fraud is costly: Even small exaggerations can add up to millions in losses.
• Investigators are vigilant: Fraudsters often underestimate the sophistication of detection methods.
• Public reporting helps: MPI encourages citizens to report suspicious claims, strengthening community accountability.

Conclusion

The 2025 fraud investigations by Manitoba Public Insurance highlight both the audacity of fraudsters and the effectiveness of MPI’s Special Investigations Unit. By preventing nearly $17 million in fraudulent payouts, MPI not only safeguarded its financial integrity but also protected honest ratepayers from higher premiums.

Fraud may seem clever in the short term, but as these cases show, it rarely goes undetected. MPI’s annual fraud list serves as a reminder that honesty is not just the best policy—it’s the only sustainable one in a system built on shared responsibility.