Many Brits would consider making a fraudulent home insurance claim in order to give them a financial boost, new research has suggested.
Carried out by MoneySupermarket, the study revealed one-in-ten survey respondents may be willing to go down this route due to the current economic climate.
In addition, it was also found that four per cent – which equates to 1.5 million individuals – would toy with the idea of making a false claim even in times of greater prosperity.
And while many said they would consider carrying out the practice, 780,000 people admitted to having already made a successful claim in the last five years.
Peter Harrison, insurance expert at the website, described the findings as deeply concerning.
Mr Harrison stated: “With recent news the UK has slipped into a double-dip recession, household finances will undoubtedly be stretched, but no matter how tempting, fabricating a claim for a payout is illegal.”
He explained exaggerated claims can impact honest consumers further down the line, as the activity serves to increase the prices of premiums due to insurers looking to re-coup the cash they lost.