Conscience Money
A guilty conscience is a terrible burden. Wawanesa's files are sprinkled with cases of individuals who reimbursed the company for funds fraudulently or mistakenly acquired.
One Québec man sent Wawanesa eight post-dated cheques for $368, relating to a fraudulent auto accident claim. A company representative found the man, the unfortunate victim of two industrial accidents, living with his wife and seven children in a "shack." Recognizing his circumstances, Wawanesa arranged to forgive the debt.
On another occasion, a Manitoba woman was overcome by remorse. After her home burned down, she was paid $8,000 for the building and contents. About a year later, she told her minister that she had set the fire to collect the insurance money. Her minister persuaded her to confess to her insurance agent, and a deal was struck whereby the settlement was repaid without further action by Wawanesa.