Best Insurance Fraud Lawyers in Arta

About Insurance Fraud Law in Arta, Greece

Insurance fraud in Arta, Greece refers to any intentional act aimed at obtaining a financial benefit from an insurance company that a person is not entitled to receive. Common examples include staging or exaggerating accidents, submitting inflated repair or medical bills, reporting false thefts, concealing relevant facts from the insurer, or providing forged documents during a claim. These acts are treated as criminal offenses under Greek law and may also create civil liability toward the insurer for damages and restitution.

Although Arta is a regional city, cases are handled within the national Greek legal framework. Investigations can involve local police, the Prosecutor of the First Instance of Arta, and specialized economic crime units. Proceedings take place in Greek and follow the nationwide Criminal Procedure Code and Civil Procedure Code, depending on whether the dispute is criminal, civil, or both.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you have been contacted by an insurer’s Special Investigation Unit, asked to provide a sworn statement, faced with a claim denial alleging misrepresentation, received a summons from the police or prosecutor, or have had your documents or devices requested or seized. A lawyer helps you understand your rights, prepare for interviews, protect against self-incrimination, and challenge improper evidence. Legal counsel can also negotiate with insurers, pursue legitimate claims if you are wrongly accused, and seek favorable outcomes such as case dismissal, mitigation, or restitution-based settlements when appropriate.

Even honest mistakes can trigger red flags, for example inconsistent statements due to stress, incomplete medical disclosure, or confusion about policy terms. A lawyer can present clarifications and evidence, communicate with adjusters and experts, and ensure procedural deadlines are met. If you are an insurer, broker, or professional accused of facilitating fraud, legal representation is essential to manage regulatory exposure and defend against criminal or civil allegations.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal framework. Insurance fraud is prosecuted under general fraud and related offenses in the Greek Penal Code. Article 386 covers fraud by deceit that causes financial damage. Where the damage exceeds legally defined thresholds, the offense may be aggravated and treated as a felony with heavier penalties. Related offenses can include forgery of documents under Article 216 and computer fraud under Article 386A. Attempted fraud is also punishable. Penalties range from fines and short custodial sentences for misdemeanors to multi-year imprisonment for felonies, particularly where the damage is large or there is a pattern of criminal activity.

Civil and contractual framework. The Greek law on insurance contracts, including Law 2496-1997 and relevant provisions of the Civil Code, regulates duties of disclosure, the consequences of misrepresentation, claim handling, and policy conditions. Material misrepresentation or concealment can allow an insurer to rescind the contract or deny a claim. Insurers can seek recovery of amounts paid if payments were induced by fraud. Claims arising from non-life insurance contracts generally expire after 2 years from the end of the year in which the claim arose, while many life insurance claims expire after 5 years, subject to specific statutory rules and suspensions.

Supervision and regulation. Private insurance in Greece is supervised by the Bank of Greece, which oversees insurers and handles consumer complaints about insurance markets through dedicated units. Consumer protection rules also apply and may be enforced by the General Secretariat for Consumers. In parallel, economic crime units, the Hellenic Police, and the Financial and Economic Crime Unit can investigate suspected fraud rings or serious cases involving organized activity.

Procedure in Arta. A criminal complaint can be filed with the Hellenic Police or the Prosecutor of the First Instance of Arta. The prosecutor may order a preliminary examination, call witnesses or suspects to provide explanations, and refer the case to trial if there is sufficient evidence. Civil disputes about claim denials or rescission are typically filed before the civil courts in Arta. Proceedings are in Greek, and certified translations are required for foreign documents.

Statutes of limitation. As a general guide, misdemeanors are subject to a 5-year limitation period and felonies to longer periods, which can be extended by suspensions or procedural events. Civil prescription periods vary by policy type and claim. Always confirm the exact deadlines with a lawyer, since mistakes on timing can be decisive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as insurance fraud in Greece?

Any intentional deception to obtain an insurance benefit you are not entitled to can be fraud. Examples include staging a car crash, inflating repair or medical invoices, forging medical reports, hiding pre-existing damage, or lying about the circumstances of a loss. Negligent errors are different from intentional deception, but repeated or reckless misstatements can still create serious legal problems.

What penalties can apply if I am convicted?

Penalties depend on the amount of damage and the circumstances. Basic fraud is punishable by fines or imprisonment, while aggravated cases with high financial harm can lead to multi-year imprisonment. Courts can also order restitution, confiscation of proceeds, and a criminal record entry. Related offenses like forgery can add to penalties.

I made a mistake on my claim. Is that fraud?

Not necessarily. Fraud requires intent to deceive. Honest mistakes can often be corrected. However, significant inaccuracies, failure to correct known errors, or submission of false documents can be used as evidence of intent. Speak with a lawyer before giving new statements to ensure corrections are made properly.

Do I have to give a recorded statement to my insurer?

Your policy may require cooperation, but you are not required to incriminate yourself. You can ask to reschedule until you consult a lawyer. Your lawyer can attend any interview, help set ground rules, and provide documents in an organized way that protects your position.

Can the insurer deny my claim and cancel my policy?

Yes, if there was material misrepresentation or fraud. Under Greek insurance law, intentional misrepresentation can lead to claim denial, contract rescission, and possible recovery of amounts paid. If an accusation is wrong or based on inadequate investigation, you can challenge it through internal review, mediation, or court action.

What should I do if the police or prosecutor contacts me?

Do not ignore the contact. Request the case number and the reason for the inquiry. Politely decline to make detailed statements until you have consulted a lawyer. Your lawyer can access the case file when permitted, accompany you to give explanations, and protect your rights during search, seizure, or interview procedures.

How is evidence of insurance fraud gathered?

Common evidence includes policy documents, claim forms, photos, videos, telematics, phone records, medical and repair records, expert assessments, and witness statements. Digital evidence must be collected lawfully to be admissible. Your lawyer can challenge unreliable methods, biased expert opinions, or evidence obtained in breach of procedure.

Are there alternatives to a criminal trial?

Depending on the case, there may be options such as dismissal due to insufficient evidence, settlement or restitution-based resolutions, or plea negotiations on reduced charges. In civil disputes, mediation or judicial settlement can resolve coverage issues without a full trial.

How long do I have to bring a civil claim against an insurer?

Many non-life insurance claims are subject to a 2-year prescription period counted from the end of the year in which the claim arose. Life insurance claims often have a 5-year period. These time limits can be interrupted or suspended in specific circumstances. Obtain legal advice promptly to avoid missing deadlines.

Do I need a local lawyer in Arta?

A lawyer familiar with the Arta courts and local practice can be very helpful for swift filings, coordination with local authorities, and court appearances. If your case spans other regions or involves technical insurance issues, your local lawyer can collaborate with specialized counsel as needed.

Additional Resources

Bank of Greece - Insurance Supervision Department and Consumer Complaints Units for insurance market conduct issues.

General Secretariat for Consumers - Consumer protection information and complaint handling for market practices affecting policyholders.

Hellenic Police - Local Police Department in Arta for reporting suspected criminal activity or responding to criminal inquiries.

Prosecutor of the First Instance of Arta - Filing criminal complaints and following up on case status in criminal matters.

Court of First Instance of Arta - Civil and criminal jurisdiction for local cases involving insurance disputes and fraud charges.

Financial and Economic Crime Unit and Economic Police - For complex or large-scale fraud investigations.

Hellenic Consumers’ Ombudsman - Out-of-court dispute resolution for consumer disputes that can include insurance matters.

Arta Bar Association - Referral to licensed local lawyers experienced in criminal defense and insurance law.

Next Steps

Document everything. Gather your policy, correspondence with the insurer, photos, invoices, medical records, repair estimates, and any messages related to the incident or claim. Keep originals safe and share copies with your lawyer.

Stop and get advice before giving statements. If you are asked to provide a recorded or sworn statement or to sign authorizations, request time to consult a lawyer who can prepare you and attend the interview.

Check deadlines. Note any policy notice requirements, claim submission dates, and statutory limitation periods. Missing a deadline can end your claim or weaken your defense.

Engage a lawyer in Arta. Choose counsel with experience in Greek criminal procedure and insurance contract disputes. Ask about strategy, evidence preservation, potential defenses, and early resolution options.

Consider parallel paths. While addressing any criminal exposure, evaluate civil strategies to contest claim denials or rescission, including internal reviews, mediation, or court action if necessary.

Protect your digital footprint. Do not alter or delete digital content related to the incident. Preserving data avoids allegations of evidence tampering and allows your lawyer to build a stronger case.

Stay proactive and professional. Communicate through your lawyer, respond to lawful requests, and avoid confrontations with investigators or adjusters. A measured approach increases the chance of a favorable outcome.