Forensic Statement and Linguistic Analysis (FSLA) in Insurance: Uncovering the Truth Behind The Claims

Date of publication on LinkedIn: 8th May 2025 at 3.29pm 

LinkedIn post link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/forensic-statement-linguistic-analysis-insurance-truth-sunil-chadda-uprre 

In the insurance industry, fraud is a persistent challenge that can lead to significant financial losses. 

Detecting fraudulent claims and ensuring transparency requires more than just reviewing paperwork—it involves understanding the nuances of language.

That’s where Forensic Statement and Linguistic Analysis (FLSA) comes into play. By analysing the language in a claimant’s statement, insurance professionals can uncover inconsistencies, identify deception, and protect their organisations from fraud, thereby maximising the efficient use of capital. 

FLSA is the process of analysing spoken or written statements to identify signs of deception or truthfulness. In the insurance sector, this technique is especially valuable for evaluating claims and ensuring their legitimacy. Through the analysis of linguistic patterns, psychological cues, and the structure of statements, we can detect discrepancies that might indicate fraud or manipulation. 

FSLA is an invaluable tool when assessing claims and we list some key factors below that insurance professionals should look out for; 

1. Pronouns and Verb Tenses 

   
   

Pronouns: The use of personal pronouns like "I" can indicate ownership of an event or incident. Claimants who avoid using "I" and rely on impersonal pronouns ("they," "we," or "you") may be distancing themselves from the situation, suggesting potential deception. 

Verb Tenses: A consistent use of the past tense when describing an event indicates truthfulness. Deceptive individuals might switch tenses or use the present tense inappropriately, indicating uncertainty or a fabricated account. 

2. Specificity of Details 

Vagueness in a statement is a Red Flag. Claimants who struggle to provide specific details—such as the time of the incident, locations, or the sequence of events—may be withholding information or fabricating the story. Honest claimants tend to offer clear, detailed descriptions of what happened. 

3. Inconsistencies and Contradictions 

A deceptive statement may contain contradictions or inconsistencies in the timeline of events. For example, a claimant who initially claims they were alone during an accident but later mentions that someone witnessed it may be attempting to cover up the truth. Changes in narrative or conflicting details can be a Red Flag for insurance adjusters. 

4. Excessive Detail or Emotional Overstatement 

Claimants who provide unnecessary details or become overly emotional may be attempting to distract from gaps or inconsistencies in their story. For instance, providing excessive background information about a personal struggle or focusing on unrelated issues could be an attempt to sway the investigator’s attention away from the claim’s validity. 

Real-world applications of FSLA in insurance claims analysis can be an essential tool for insurance companies to combat fraud. Below are some areas where FSLA proves invaluable; 

• Vehicle Insurance Fraud: Detecting discrepancies in accident reports, identifying signs of exaggeration, and verifying injury claims. 

• Property Insurance: Analysing inconsistencies in damage descriptions and ensuring the timeline of events aligns with the reported damages. 

• Health Insurance Fraud: Identifying false medical claims or exaggerations of treatments and injuries. 

• Worker’s Compensation Claims: Assessing the credibility of injury reports and identifying signs of malingering or fraudulent activity. 

  
  

As insurance fraud continues to evolve, it is crucial for professionals in the industry to equip themselves with the tools to combat deception. We offer a cost-effective method for detecting fraud and ensuring the integrity of claims. We recognise linguistic cues and analyse statements critically, leading to more informed and fair decisions about the legitimacy of a claim. 

In an increasingly complex world where claims can be fabricated and details manipulated, Forensic Statement and Linguistic Analysis is becoming an indispensable skill. 

Are you ready to leverage FSLA in your insurance claims process? 

Cover Photo: scott-greer-RzVENp1UbRc-unsplash.jpg 

Photo Credit: www.unsplash.com – Scott Greer 

See www.ddlltd.com for more on Deception Detection Lab Ltd.