NCJ Number
45852
Date Published
Unknown
Length
12 pages
Annotation
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF ARSON AND RELATED INSURANCE FRAUD ARE DISCUSSED, AND STEPS THAT CAN BE TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY TO COMBAT THE ARSON PROBLEM ARE SUGGESTED.
Abstract
ARSON IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CRIMES IN THAT THE VICTIM OR ALLEGED VICTIM OFTEN CAN PROVIDE BOTH THE MOTIVE AND THE SUSPECT. WHETHER THE MOTIVE IS FINANCIAL GAIN, JEALOUSY, OR REVENGE, THE ARSON VICTIM, THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIME, USUALLY IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE INCIDENT AND THE PERPETRATOR. ARSON IS ALSO CHARACTERIZED BY THE VARIETY OF TYPES OF PEOPLE WHO BECOME INVOLVED. OTHERWISE RESPECTABLE BUSINESSMEN SUFFERING FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLY FACING BANKRUPTCY MAY USE ARSON TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS. ARSON INVESTIGATORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL PICTURE -- PRESENT AND FUTURE -- OF A SUSPECT. INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN COMBAT PROFIT-MOTIVATED ARSON BY THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL CLIENTS BEFORE WRITING FIRE INSURANCE POLICIES, BY AGGRESSIVELY INVESTIGATING THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF FIRES, AND BY PRESENTING NO-COMPROMISE DEFENSES IN THE DENIAL OF UNJUSTIFIED CLAIMS IN CIVIL COURTS. SUCH EFFORTS ON THE PART OF INSURANCE COMPANIES SHOULD SERVE AS A DETERRENT TO POTENTIAL ARSONISTS. (LKM)