Insurance Fraudster Caught After £60,000 Scam
Darren Jacobson, 47, from Worsley, pulled off a sneaky £60,000 insurance fraud by lying about his claims history and criminal record. Once known as Darren Morris, he tricked two major insurers, Aviva and Zurich, by hiding crucial info that would have denied his cover.
Double Claims and a Fake Name
Jacobson changed his surname by deed poll in 2011 to hide his past. Then, he used both names to claim compensation twice for the same injuries after a crash involving his Range Rover in Manchester. He also made bogus personal injury claims with partner-in-crime Natalie Hasford, who falsely said she was a passenger in the crash.
Aviva paid out nearly £6,500 for the injuries. After that, Jacobson lied again on a Zurich insurance application, denying previous claims and a criminal record. Zurich handed over £50,000 for damage to his £290,000 Lamborghini before sniffing out the scam on a second claim.
Justice Served at Southwark Crown Court
Jacobson pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation. On 7 April 2022, Southwark Crown Court sentenced him to 22 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, plus 200 hours of unpaid work. He must pay back £58,000 in compensation to the insurers.
Police Staff Investigator Abdelkader Rezkallah said: “Jacobson used his new name to make multiple claims and cover up his dodgy history. The truth has finally caught up with him.”
Industry Experts Warn Fraudsters
Stephen Dalton, Insurance Fraud Bureau: “Fraudsters like Jacobson think they can get away with lies. But with police and insurers working together, we expose these scams quickly.”
Carl Mather, Aviva: “Jacobson’s conviction shows insurance fraud isn’t a victimless crime. It risks jobs and futures.”
Scott Clayton, Zurich: “Lying on insurance applications hurts everyone by pushing up premiums. We’ll keep hunting down fraudsters to protect honest customers.”
