By Robyn Krile, Fraud Division Director, NDISD
Fraud Fighters & First Responders: How the North Dakota Insurance Fraud Division and Fire Departments Can Work Together
Following the recent observance of International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17–21), it is the perfect time to highlight the power of partnerships in combating fraud. The Fraud Division of the North Dakota Insurance and Securities Department proudly collaborates with fire departments and other public safety agencies to raise awareness about the significant costs of insurance fraud. Insurance fraud is not just a financial crime; it is a public safety issue. In North Dakota, the Insurance and Securities Department’s Fraud Division is uniquely positioned to partner with fire departments to detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent fire-related claims. This collaboration fortifies both fraud enforcement and community safety.
Firefighters: The First Line of Fraud Detection
When a fire breaks out, firefighters are often the first responders on the scene. Their observations, burn patterns, unusual accelerants, or repeated incidents at the same property—can be the earliest indicators of insurance fraud. These frontline insights are invaluable to the Fraud Division’s investigators, who rely on timely, accurate documentation to build prosecutable cases. Firefighters and arson investigators can:
Preserve evidence that may later support fraud charges
Document suspicious activity through photos, sketches, and statements
Provide expert testimony on fire origin and cause
This early-stage intelligence helps the Fraud Division determine whether a claim is legitimate or part of a broader fraud scheme.
The Fraud Division: Turning Observations into Action
The Fraud Division brings legal authority, investigative tools, and prosecutorial coordination to the table. Once alerted to a suspicious fire, investigators can:
Subpoena records from insurers, contractors, and claimants
Analyze financial motives behind suspicious claims
Coordinate with prosecutors to pursue criminal charges when warranted
Thanks to early alerts from fire departments, fire-related fraud cases are flagged for the Fraud unit. This highlights the importance of structured communication between first responders and fraud investigators.
From Investigation to Prosecution: A Fully Integrated Legal Team
What sets the North Dakota Insurance Fraud Division apart is its in-house prosecutor, embedded directly within the unit. This unique structure allows the Division to move swiftly from investigation to prosecution without the delays often associated with external referrals. Once a suspicious fire-related claim is flagged—often thanks to early observations by fire departments, the Division’s investigators can immediately begin building a case with prosecutorial oversight from within the same team. This includes:
Issuing subpoenas and search warrants
Coordinating interviews and evidence collection
Filing criminal charges directly through the state’s legal system
Having a prosecutor on staff ensures that cases are not only thoroughly investigated but also strategically prepared for court from day one. This alignment improves conviction rates, reduces case backlog, and sends a strong message: insurance fraud will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
Training & Cross-Education
To strengthen this partnership, the Fraud Division can offer training sessions for fire departments on:
Recognizing red flags in fire-related insurance claims
Understanding the legal thresholds for fraud
Properly preserving and reporting evidence
In return, fire departments can educate fraud investigators on fire science, scene safety, and the nuances of arson detection. This mutual learning builds trust and improves case outcomes.
Why It Matters
Insurance fraud involving fire claims is complex and costly. It drains resources, raises premiums, and endangers lives. But when the Fraud Division and fire departments work together, they form a powerful line of defense—one that protects both public funds and public safety.