The Association of Insurers in Rwanda (ASSAR) told IGIHE that recent cases involve impostors setting up fake offices, collecting money from public service motorcycle operators, and issuing forged insurance certificates while posing as legitimate insurance agents.
Pamela Umutesi, the Managing Director of ASSAR, said the recent incidents targeted Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd and strongly condemned the actions, describing them as criminal offenses punishable by law.
'There used to be other minor issues, such as people altering insurance dates instead of renewing their policies. But this is the first time we have seen people establish fake offices, charge clients, and issue certificates claiming they are insured,' she said.
She added that, in collaboration with relevant authorities, the suspects are under investigation and that several measures have already been put in place to curb the fraud, with more interventions planned.
'Since 2019, as an association, we have been issuing a unified insurance certificate through ASSAR. This means that regardless of the insurance company where a client purchases insurance, it is ASSAR that issues the certificate. It includes a scanning feature that allows authorities such as the Police to verify its authenticity using a mobile phone,' Umutesi explained.
'Because not everyone owns a smartphone, we are also planning to introduce a USSD system using a star code. The insurer will provide a code, which the client can dial to verify whether the certificate they received is genuine,' she added.
Umutesi noted that beyond financial losses, the most serious risk arises when an accident occurs and a rider believes they are insured, only to later discover they were issued a fake certificate.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Kayonza District, one of the areas where the scam was identified, said that toward the end of 2025, two individuals were discovered impersonating representatives of Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd. One suspect had set up an office in Murundi Sector and was arrested, while the other remains at large.
Similar cases have also been reported in Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Investigators say they are following leads pointing to a suspected ringleader who is still on the run.
Mayfair Insurance confirmed the incidents, saying that as soon as the fraud was discovered, the company reported the matter to relevant authorities, including RIB, ASSAR, and the regulator, the National Bank of Rwanda.
The company clarified that it does not provide motorcycle taxi (PSV) insurance and urged the public to remain vigilant when paying for insurance certificates.
'We have noted several cases where fraudulent insurance certificates were issued by rogue individuals falsely claiming to represent us. We urge the public to exercise caution when receiving insurance certificates,' the company's Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma said.
'We also encourage the public to remain vigilant as authorities continue with efforts to apprehend all suspects and put an end to these fraudulent activities,' she added.
Mayfair Insurance, which has operated in Rwanda for nearly a decade, offers a wide range of general insurance products, including motor, property, marine, travel, and specialized corporate insurance solutions.
Members of the public are advised to verify insurance certificates using QR codes on the documents, deal only with authorized agents listed on Mayfair's official website, or contact the company directly at 0788 381 844.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
