Insurance Crook Darren Jacobson Caught in £60k Fraud Web
Darren Jacobson, 47, from Worsley, tried to pull a fast one on insurers by hiding his past claims and criminal record. Using a fake identity, he set up a policy with Zurich, concealing info that would have denied his cover.
Double Dealing: How Jacobson Fleeced Two Insurers
Sharing data between insurers revealed Jacobson’s scam stretched across two companies. The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) tipped off City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). Their investigation uncovered Jacobson had ripped off insurers to the tune of around £60,000.
Jacobson, formerly known as Darren Morris, got sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on 7 April 2022. He received a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, plus 200 hours’ unpaid work. He must also cough up £58,000 compensation to Aviva and Zurich. He pleaded guilty to two fraud counts back in November 2021.
Scandal Unpacked: Fraud, False Claims and Fake Passengers
Investigator Abdelkader Rezkallah from IFED said:
“This case follows the sentencing of Natalie Hasford, who lied about being a passenger in Jacobson’s car after a crash. Both fraudsters tried to cash in via bogus personal injury claims. Hasford made up her involvement, while Jacobson used a name change to claim twice for the same injuries.”
“Then Jacobson defrauded another insurer by lying about his past claims and criminal record, info that would have made the insurer reject him.”
“He clearly thought a new name would cover his dodgy history and let him rake in multiple claims, but the truth caught up with him.”
The Full Fraud Story: Name Change, Fake Claims & Big Payouts
- In 2011, Darren Morris legally changed his name to Darren Jacobson.
- Two years later, he used his old name to get insurance for a Range Rover — a criminal offence.
- A 2014 collision in Manchester led to a £10,000 repair payout from Aviva.
- Jacobson and two passengers claimed personal injury almost immediately; Morris filed his claim nine months later.
- Jacobson was paid nearly £6,500 in injury compensation using both names.
- Later, Jacobson lied on a Zurich application, denying multiple claims and a criminal record.
- Zurich paid out almost £50,000 in repair and hire costs on a £290,000 Lamborghini Aventador before suspicious claims triggered an investigation.
- Zurich voided the policy after discovering Jacobson’s deception — meaning he wasn’t entitled to the big payout.
Insurers and Police Join Forces to Nail Fraudster
Stephen Dalton, IFB Head of Investigations, said:
“Fraudsters like Jacobson think they can get away with lies. But thanks to close police and insurer teamwork, his web of deceit was quickly uncovered.”
“Let this be a warning: insurance fraud isn’t worth the risk.”
Carl Mather, Aviva Special Investigations Manager, added:
“Jacobson cynically misrepresented facts to get cover, then abused it with fake injury claims alongside Hasford.”
“His conviction sends a message to those who think insurance fraud is victimless — it isn’t. Criminal records threaten careers and job security.”
“Aviva will keep fighting fraud and protect honest customers.”
Scott Clayton, Zurich Head of Fraud, warned:
“Giving false info on insurance is a shortcut to losing your cover — or worse.”
“Hiding convictions just hikes premiums for everyone. We’re always on the lookout to protect honest policyholders.”
