NEW YORK, N.Y., November 13 – New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud (NYAAIF) are attempting to increase awareness about the crime of insurance fraud. Bloomberg, acting on a proposal by NYAAIF, has proclaimed November 29, 2006 as Insurance Fraud Prevention Day.

New York City is committed to preventing [insurance] fraud from occurring in any shape or form. We are proud to join with the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud as it continues to educate New Yorkers about the adverse affects of this deceptive practice, states the proclamation.

Noting that insurance fraud costs American consumers nearly $30 billion on an annual basis, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, NYAAIF will draw attention to the many forms that insurance fraud takes, from those who collect workers compensation benefits although they are able to work, to unscrupulous health care providers who bill twice for the same service.

NYAAIF described the following highlights for the November 29 initiative:

Insurance fraud can erode the economic stability of communities.More than a third of respondents to a survey by The Business Council said New Yorks workers compensation costs are encouraging them to consider relocating their businesses out of state;

Peoples health and lives are endangered by unscrupulous individuals who sell non-existent health policies or perform quack medical care to illegally inflate health insurance claims, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud;

Staged auto accidents and arson can cause innocent people to be killed or seriously injured.

Frank Sztuk, NYAAIF president, said, Mayor Bloombergs Proclamation of Insurance Fraud Prevention Day provides a powerful tool in our arsenal and we are greatly appreciative of his acknowledgement of this problem by dedicating the day of our annual meeting to be Insurance Fraud Prevention Day.

NYAAIF is comprised of insurance companies in New York that have come together to fight insurance fraud.

For more information, visit www.fraudny.com.