In recognition of Fraud Prevention Month, Équité Association and its members are releasing a comprehensive thought-leadership series designed to illuminate the most pressing fraud issues currently facing the insurance industry. This series is not just about identifying the problems, such as the $900 million auto theft claims costs in 2025, but about showcasing the innovative solutions being deployed to disrupt criminal networks.

Fergal Murphy, Vice President, Fraud & Litigation at TD Insurance shares insights around how TD Insurance  is protecting clients from the rise in auto-related fraud and the role technology plays in this important work. TD Insurance is the leader in direct to consumer insurance group in Canada offering car, home, life and travel insurance for all personal needs and customized commercial coverage tailored to small businesses.

Équité: For Fraud Prevention Month, what type of insurance fraud would you like to raise awareness about and why?

• Fergal Murphy (FM): As a proud member of Équité Association, TD Insurance is committed to protecting Canadians from the growing and evolving threat of insurance fraud. As a national insurer with deep local roots, our focus is clear: protecting our customers, supporting the communities we serve, and helping maintain trust in Canada’s insurance system.
  
  During Fraud Prevention Month, we are raising awareness about the rise in auto-related fraud, including staged collisions, towing and repair shop schemes, false brokers, and ensuring there are meaningful consequences for fraudulent activity. Insurance fraud affects everyday Canadians, driving up premiums, undermining trust, and, in some cases, putting public safety at risk. Organized crime groups are increasingly using technology, social media, and international resale channels to expand their reach, making fraud prevention a shared responsibility across insurers, law enforcement, and industry partners like Équité Association.

Équité: How have fraud trends changed overtime?

• FM: Fraud has changed significantly over the last decade. What was once opportunistic is now more organized, sophisticated, and technology-driven. Auto thefts involving advanced key-programming tools are increasing, staged collision rings continue to exploit claims systems, and digital fraud, such as synthetic identities and falsified documents adds new complexity. The fraud landscape continues to evolve, and our approach must evolve with it.

Équité: What is your organization doing to protect your clients and the communities they live in from the impacts of insurance fraud?

• FM: At TD Insurance, we take a layered, prevention-first approach that combines experienced investigators, strong partnerships, and modern tools. Our Special Investigations Unit works closely with Équité Association, law enforcement, and industry peers to disrupt fraud networks and share intelligence. We also focus on education, helping Canadians understand how to verify insurance providers, protect their vehicles, and report suspicious activity. At the same time, we continuously strengthen our controls to ensure legitimate claims are handled quickly while fraudulent activity is identified early.

Équité: How is technology advancement influencing how you approach fraud detection?

• FM: Technology plays an important role in this work. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence help us identify unusual patterns and risks that may not be visible through manual review alone. These tools support our teams by providing earlier insights, while decisions continue to be made by trained professionals. We are equally committed to responsible use of technology, with strong governance to ensure fairness, transparency, and privacy.
  
  Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It impacts families, small businesses, and communities across the country. Through collaboration with Équité Association and our industry partners, TD Insurance remains committed to protecting Canadians and contributing to a safer, more resilient insurance system.

In an era of heightened risk, the insurance industry is more committed than ever to protecting clients from the impacts of fraud. Driving collaboration with government, law enforcement and other stakeholders, Équité and its members are strengthening fraud deterrence efforts to protect Canadians against insurance crime.

‍