In a recent industry report we learn that one in five of U.S. adults, nearly 45 million people, say that it is acceptable to defraud insurance companies under certain circumstances.

Four of five U.S. adults, think that insurance fraud is unethical.

One in four Americans, think it is acceptable to defraud insurance companies.  A full 8% say it is quite acceptable, to take undeserved money from insurers.  A further 16%, think it is somewhat acceptable.

The statistics go on to show that one in 10 people, agree it is okay to submit a claim for an item that is not truly lost or damaged, or for injuries that did not occur.

Two of five people, would be not very likely or not likely at all, to blow the whistle on someone who defrauded an insurer.

Yet, 95% of all those surveyed would like to see their insurance rates decrease.  In my opinion, we really need to put more of an incentive to report fraud and dramatically increase the penalties for committing it.

What are your thoughts?