Iowa Insurance Division Swears-In New Insurance Fraud Investigator

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 25 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

The Iowa Insurance Division recently welcomed Chris Scanlan, a new Special Investigator in the Division's Insurance Fraud Bureau, during a swearing-in ceremony. The oath of office was administered by Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen.

Scanlan is a former Deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office where he served for 15 years, 6 of which he served as a detective. Scanlan is a graduate of Des Moines Area Community College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.

"Insurance fraud is very costly to both our Iowa consumers and the insurance companies that conduct business in this state," Ommen said. "Chris will be a valuable addition to our Fraud Bureau and will help them continue to pursue their goal to prevent and deter insurance fraud."

The Iowa Insurance Fraud Investigation Bureau confronts the problem of insurance fraud through the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraudulent insurance acts in an effort to reduce the amount of premium dollars used to pay fraudulent claims. Insurance fraud costs Americans at least $80 billion a year, or nearly $950 for each family.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau at 877-955-1212.