History
The inception of the International Association of Insurance Fraud Agencies, Inc. began in 1985. At that time, the leaders from four different fraud bureaus in both the United States and Canada realized through informal contact that each agency was investigating similar issues relating to the same individual subject. The benefit of international contact was immediately apparent and the catalyst for the formation of the Association. These four founders were:
Aaron Mazen - Director of the Fraud Division with the New York Insurance Department
Robert McKenna - Director of the Fraud Division with the Florida Insurance Department
Clarke Walker - Chief of the Fraud Division with the California Insurance Department
Philip Yakubovich - Director of the Investigation Branch in Toronto, Canada
This informal group met several times. The first meeting of the group took place in Miami, Florida in May of 1986. Another meeting took place in New York City in October of 1986. A third meeting took place in San Francisco in May of 1987. Finally, the International Association of Insurance Fraud Agencies, Inc. formally came into existence when the Constitution was signed and adopted by the four initial charter members in Toronto in October of 1987.
The Association has become an international organization. The membership represents 28 countries from government and the insurance industry.
Fraud involving insurance and other financial services has no boundaries. It crosses geographic lines and examples can be found in all segments of society. The Association is working hard to open the doors of communication, cooperation and exchange of information.
The annual meetings of IAIFA are held worldwide and provide a forum where experts from around the world present new information. These annual meetings provide an important center to tighten personal contacts and relationships to facilitate the exchange of information between our members throughout the year.