The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Fake Receipts in Moving Claims

by KELLY ELLIS, VP Claims - Risk Strategies/UNIRISC

With the rise of advanced AI tools like ChatGPT, the insurance industry is facing a new type of fraud: the use of AI-generated fake receipts to support illegitimate claims. While AI can streamline processes and improve customer service, it also presents new opportunities for fraudulent activity, particularly in the area of contents and moving claims.

How It Happens:

With just a simple prompt like “create a receipt for a damaged TV” or “make a furniture store receipt with tax included,” ChatGPT can generate realistic-looking receipt content. When combined with freely available online templates or image-editing software, these fake receipts can appear legitimate, often including itemized lists, purchase dates, tax calculations, and store branding.

In moving and property claims, these fraudulent receipts are frequently submitted as "proof of value" for missing or damaged household goods. Some users even instruct AI to mimic the style of specific retailers, making the receipt seem authentic at first glance.

What to Look Out for:

Claims professionals should be on alert for signs that a receipt may be fabricated:

• Inconsistent formatting – Unusual fonts, spacing, or alignment not typically seen in official store receipts

• Mathematical errors – Totals, taxes, or subtotals that don’t calculate correctly

• Generic item descriptions – Vague terms like “merchandise” or “electronics” instead of specific brand names and models

• Fake or outdated store details – Nonexistent addresses, incorrect phone numbers, or outdated logos

• Lack of purchase trail – No supporting documentation such as order confirmations, credit card statements, or tracking numbers

Preventive Measures:

To mitigate the risk of receipt fraud, insurers and adjusters should:

• Request multiple forms of verification, such as warranty information, receipts emailed from vendors, or bank statements

• Cross-reference receipt formatting and store information with verified examples or known vendor records

• Train adjusters on how to recognize AI-generated content and escalate suspicious claims for further review

AI is a powerful and rapidly evolving tool, and while it has legitimate uses, it also creates new challenges in the fight against fraud. As claim-related receipt forgeries become more sophisticated, it’s critical for the moving industry to remain vigilant and proactive.

By educating claims staff, strengthening verification procedures, and encouraging a healthy skepticism toward standalone receipt documentation, insurers can better protect their processes and uphold trust with clients.

Worth Watching: A recent TikTok video demonstrates just how easy it is to create a fake receipt with AI—an eye-opener for anyone in claims. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMS6kpJgY/

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