insights. intouch.

In this episode of insights. intouch., Kristin Thorne sits down with personal injury attorney Kevin Habberfield for a thoughtful discussion on insurance fraud, auto reform, and the challenges facing New York's civil justice system. Habberfield offers a plaintiff attorney's perspective on Governor Hochul's proposed reforms, arguing that stronger enforcement of existing fraud laws, increased resources for prosecutors, and greater use of technology such as dash cameras may be more effective than legislative changes alone.The conversation explores the realities of fraud in the claims environment, the role of juries in evaluating cases, concerns surrounding billboard advertising, and the importance of distinguishing legitimate claims from true fraud. Habberfield emphasizes that fraud should be aggressively prosecuted when uncovered, while cautioning against broadly labeling disputed claims as fraudulent without evidence.The episode concludes with a discussion on finding common ground between plaintiff and defense interests, highlighting the need for collaboration, transparency, and meaningful prosecution of bad actors to protect both injured individuals and the integrity of the insurance system.#InsightsIntouch #InsuranceFraud #AutoReform #PersonalInjury #ClaimsManagement #InsuranceIndustry #Litigation #FraudPrevention #KristinThorne #KevinHabberfield #iFraudFoundationThank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Today on insights. intouch., we sit down with Sharky Laguana, CEO of Bandago and Chairman of the American Car Rental Association, for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about the evolution of fraud in the vehicle rental industry.What begins with stories of mistaken vehicle rentals and stolen vans quickly turns into a deeper discussion about sophisticated criminal enterprises targeting rental fleets, identity fraud, VIN swapping operations, cross-border vehicle theft, and the growing threat of organized staged accident schemes.Drawing from more than two decades of experience, Sharky shares firsthand accounts of how fraud has transformed from isolated incidents into coordinated criminal activity costing businesses, insurers, and ultimately consumers millions of dollars. He also offers unique insight into the challenges rental companies face in detecting fraud, recovering stolen assets, and combating increasingly sophisticated schemes.Join host Kristin Thorne as she explores the intersection of transportation, insurance fraud, organized crime, and public policy in a conversation that highlights why collaboration across industries is more important than ever.This is insights. intouch.. Let's get in touch with today's insights.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

On this episode of insights. intouch., Kristin Thorne sits down with New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, for a candid discussion about New York’s proposed FRAUD Act and the growing impact of staged accident schemes across the state. From construction site fraud to organized auto insurance scams, Senator Cooney outlines why lawmakers believe stronger criminal penalties and enforcement tools are necessary to combat what many describe as a rapidly escalating crisis. The conversation explores the financial burden fraudulent claims place on businesses, insurers, and consumers alike, while also examining how collaboration between government, law enforcement, and the private sector may be critical in changing the culture surrounding insurance fraud in New York.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

On this episode of Insights. Intouch., host Kristin Thorne delivers a sharp, no-nonsense conversation at the intersection of risk, fraud, and real-world impact. This episode cuts through the noise to examine how emerging schemes, legal developments, and industry blind spots are reshaping the fight against insurance fraud.From frontline investigations to the broader systemic challenges facing carriers, employers, and law enforcement, we break down what’s really happening behind the headlines—and what needs to change. Expect candid insights, practical takeaways, and a clear message: collaboration isn’t optional, it’s essential.Whether you’re in claims, SIU, legal, or risk management, this episode gives you the perspective—and edge—you need to stay ahead.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

On this episode of the Insights. Intouch. podcast, Kristin welcomes US Congressman, Nick Langworthy for a timely discussion on the future of infrastructure and construction reform in New York. Congressman Langworthy shares his perspectives and why he introduced the Infrastructure Expansion Act, the continued impact of New York’s Scaffold Law, and why many believe meaningful change is long overdue. We explore how outdated liability frameworks can drive project costs, delay critical development, and affect taxpayers, employers, and workers alike. A candid conversation on policy, progress, and the path forward.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

On this episode of insights. in touch., Kristin Thorne sits down with attorney Daniel Johnston, Supervising Partner at the Willis Law Group for a deep dive into the hidden financial engine behind today’s fraud landscape. What may seem like isolated claims and lawsuits is, in reality, part of a far more complex system—one fueled by litigation funding, private equity, and structured finance operating largely out of public view.From staged incidents to securitized settlements, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how everyday claims can scale into a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem—and why it ultimately impacts everyone, from insurance premiums to the cost of living.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

In our first episode of Season 2 of insights. intouch., host Kristin Thorne sits down with former Congressman John Faso to discuss a critical issue impacting construction costs, insurance markets, and overall affordability in New York.At the center of the conversation is the proposed Infrastructure Expansion Act, a federal effort aimed at addressing New York’s long-standing Scaffold Law, also known as the state’s “absolute liability” standard.What we cover:What the Scaffold Law actually is (and why it’s often misunderstood)How it drives up construction and insurance costsThe connection between liability laws and affordabilityWhy this issue is now being taken to the federal levelWhat it means for carriers, contractors, and taxpayersAs affordability continues to dominate headlines, this episode takes a deeper look at one of the structural drivers behind the costs, and why meaningful reform remains so complex.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Kristin Thorne sits down with Kirk Willis, CEO of The Willis Law Group, PLLC and one of the major forces behind the barrage of RICO cases against these alleged law firms and medical professionals impacting our industry.  They have a heartfelt discussion about the impacts of this Fraudemic, how the Willis Group came to enter into this fight here in NY and what it means and why he and his team fight with such conviction against this fraud.Join us on this episode of insights. intouch.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Kristin Thorne speaks with Earl Hall, Executive Director of the Syracuse Builders Exchange. The largest organization of it's kind in NYS with over 1100 members to discuss NY's unique and problematic Scaffold Law, the need to change to a comparative negligence standard, staged accidents, and the impact this is having on contractors and the everyday consumer.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

In this eye-opening episode, Kristin Thorne sits down with Dr. J. Michael Skiba, internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts in financial crimes and insurance fraud. Known as "Dr. Fraud," his insights are drawn from decades of experience in both private and public sectors across global markets.Together, they dive into the evolving tactics of fraudsters, the intersection of technology and crime, and what industry leaders must do to stay ahead.This is a must-listen for anyone in insurance, risk, compliance, or enforcement.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Kristin Thorne sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Tim Temple, Insurance Commissioner for the State of Louisiana.From fraud reform to industry innovation, Tim shares insights that every insurance professional needs to hear.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Kristen Thorne is joined by Brian Sampson, President of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State Chapter.  Discussing the impacts that the fraudemic is having on not just the developers but the our builders and general contractors.  Taking a look at the challenges that the industry is facing including how fraud is impacting the affordable housing market as well as touching on the benefits of potential legislative changes.Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org

Kristin sits down with Don Orlando, Director of Litigation at Tradesman Program Managers, for a powerful conversation on the frontlines of the fight against insurance fraud. They explore how and why Tradesman became a leader in this battle, the deep impact fraud has on migrant communities—including links to human trafficking and staged accidents—and the current state of the crisis.A driving force behind a wave of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) lawsuits, Don has positioned Tradesman as a national leader in holding bad actors accountable. Together, they examine the legal strategies, challenges, and federal pathways shaping the fight against what has become a full-blown “fraudemic.”Thank you for listening!  If you would like to be a guest on the show or have a fraud story we should look into email us at [email protected] For more information about the iFraud Foundation visit www.ifraud.org