Questionable or suspicious property-casualty insurance claims, a byproduct of a bad economy, are on the rise, with about 13% more reported in the first half of this year than during the same period last year.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said 41,619 suspicious claims were reported to the organization by member insurance companies, who reported claims based on property, casualty, commercial and vehicle policies. A total of 36,743 suspicious claims were reported between January 2008 and June 2008.

Joe Wehrle, president and CEO of the Des Plaines, Ill.-based nonprofit organization, said the group “aggressively investigates” all claims referred to it by its more than 1,000 member companies. “They benefit from our efforts as our success over fraud helps keep insurance costs affordable,” he said in a statement.

Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or by visiting our web site at www.nicb.org.