Annamaria Pisano: a year as head of the Anti-fraud sector in AZ InfoCollection

Exactly one year ago, Annamaria Pisano switched from back office executive of debt collection to Head of Insurance within the Antifraud Business Unit in AZ InfoCollection.
An important and decisive change of role, that marked an improvement in both the person and the whole sector itself. Graduated in Law and currently attending a Professional Master’s Programme in Project Management at the Business School of “Il Sole 24 Ore”, Annamaria Pisano is a determined woman with the right skills to be a leader, especially in a sector characterized by the presence of men for the 98%.
“I came in AZ InfoCollection aware that an important work experience was about to begin, but never had I expected a promotion to Manager of a very sensitive area such as the antifraud. I can’t hide a first moment of hesitation. The main concern was whether I could live up to the role I had been offered. I am a very thoughtful person, but also extremely open to changes and new challenges, so I couldn’t but accept this offer.”
A new job, but also a new way of working …
“The back office experience helped me a lot to develop my organizational skills. It was a fundamental training that still today allows me to plan with foresight the different tasks and projects that come up.”
Let’s try to outline what your tasks regarding anti-fraud are.
“We take care of the veracity of claims in every field. We work to uncover false accidents or ruses made to the detriment of insurance policies. My team is composed by 6 internal back office agents, who interface with 50 associates mainly located in the centre-south of Italy, but we manage to cover the entire national territory.
Our work starts from an internal score, set with a check through our software, and then it moves to an analysis of the accident criticality. Following this, the claim is forwarded to the external associate who deals with medical interventions, authorities, etc … After this step, the documentation returns “internally” for a screening by the intelligence. Obviously, here in AZ InfoCollection we are advantaged thanks to the presence of a very strong info providing sector “.
Which are the necessary skills to be part of this sector ?
“Intuition, great interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team are undoubtedly necessary skills; ours is a constant teamwork, no “piece” can move by itself. I make sure that the machine works properly, but I’m lucky to work with a great team. We are always on the ball as deadlines are critical in this job; moreover, we are able to change our internal processes, adapting them to the demands of insurance companies and this is another big advantage. In fact, today we can record a great percentage of actions turned down and claims for compensation, whereas quality assignments have significantly increased. “
What is the segment you are faced with today, concerning claims?
“The automotive one is no longer the reference market, there’s room also for professional liability, fire and theft insurance claims; besides, speculation on animals has increased too. Given the situation, the team’s versatility has been crucial. We have therefore developed, with no particular difficulty, new internal, professional competences, and now we manage to fulfil even the most complicated tasks.”