The most likely culprit of insurance fraud is aged between 31 and 50 and has never before made a false claim.
According to new data compiled by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, the profile of a classic insurance fraudster is someone who sees their crime as minor and makes claims of £500 or less after causing damage to a mobile phone, computer or television.
Fraud expert at the institution Professor Mark Button said individuals who try to commit insurance fraud typically think the action will not hurt anyone and are opportunists instead of serious criminals.
“Research on dishonesty suggests many people are prepared to be a little dishonest in life and a bogus household insurance claim may well be perceived as a little dishonesty,” he added.
It was revealed there is no difference between who is more inclined to make a fake insurance claim between men and women.
One incident recently reported by claims handling firm VFM involved a woman falsely proclaiming a seagull had taken her watch from her back garden, but she rang the following day to say she found it.