Insurance scams are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know to play it safe. (iStock) No one wants to be the victim of a scam. Unfortunately, they’re more common than you might think — particularly in the insurance world. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance fraud scams result in about $40 billion in losses every year — losses that insurance companies, taxpayers, and the victims of these scams are forced to pay for (about $400 to $700 per household annually). Whether you have or need home insurance or auto insurance, you should be aware of these scams and how to protect yourself. Fortunately, there are several signs that make them easy to identify.