NJ Department of Banking and Insurance opens new fraud deterrence office in Morris County
WHIPPANY, N.J. (Morris County) — The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has opened a new regional office in Whippany for its Bureau of Fraud Deterrence, expanding the agency’s efforts to investigate insurance fraud and protect consumers.
Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs joined department officials to mark the opening of the office, which will serve the northern region of the state.
The Bureau of Fraud Deterrence investigates civil insurance fraud violations referred by consumers and industry participants. The bureau has the authority to impose fines and penalties and recover fees. Investigations involve multiple lines of insurance, including auto, life, health, homeowners, travel and pet insurance.
“Our Bureau of Fraud Deterrence is on the front lines helping to reduce insurance fraud and protect consumers from bad actors within the industry,” said Acting Commissioner Ochs. “Safeguarding our marketplace increases trust and lowers costs for consumers, making insurance more affordable for everyone.”
According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, fraudulent insurance claims cost U.S. consumers more than $300 billion annually.
The bureau also works with county prosecutors and the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office on investigations that may involve both civil and criminal matters.
Since 2023, the bureau has resolved more than 1,500 cases through consent orders or judicial orders, resulting in more than $13 million in fines, according to the department.
The bureau is led by George Wall, who joined the department in 2020 after serving in several investigative roles, including with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Judiciary in Warren County.
The new Whippany office is managed by investigator Ron Dellanno and will handle cases in northern New Jersey. The bureau also operates its main office in Trenton and a regional office in Cherry Hill.
Under the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, insurance companies are required to report matters they believe involve suspicious, fraudulent or misleading information. Residents can also submit referrals through the Department of Banking and Insurance’s Consumer Inquiry and Response Center or through the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
