Southern Cross are looking to raise awareness around fraud after they receive 1500 people a year making false claims.
LISTEN ABOVE: Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Craig Morrison talks to Mike Hosking about travel insurance fraud
People who commit travel insurance fraud think it's easier to get away with as they are overseas and if they're caught it will just be a "slap on the wrist," said Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Craig Morrison.
All of the fraud claims are related to property.Â
A Kiwi traveller used a forged letter to try claim $36,000 worth of designer shoes, bags, jewellery and electronics was investigated by Southern Cross for their fake insurance claim.
Another family claimed two iPads, camera equipment, clothing and luggage worth $13,000 was stolen by a taxi driver and used a false letter from a hotel manager and police report to support their claim.
One customer claimed to lose $6000 of jewellery from their handbag that was later found inside it when a Southern Cross investigator followed up on the claim.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance said it is using the services of specialist fraud investigators to probe some cases and said customers can be blacklisted by insurers, taken to court and get a criminal record if found to have make a fake claim.
"Everyone in different groups will try it on from time to time".Â
Most people will make a claim legitimately and throw in a few more items.
They get caught out by posting a photo on Instagram wearing the item they claimed for.
"It is very, very hard to prosecute," said Morrison
MORE: Southern Cross Travel Insurance investigates 1500 fake claims a year
Â
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you