New sophisticated equipment theft scams: What brokers need to know to protect their clients

As underwriters of specialist insurance for the media and entertainment sector, we’re seeing increasingly sophisticated scams targeting production companies – particularly those with valuable cameras and AV kit.

Recently, a complex fraud attempt involving fake production bookings and remote locations came to light via a well-established TV camera forum. While no equipment was lost on this occasion, the scam was highly convincing and serves as a warning to brokers with clients in this space.

Here’s what you need to know – and how you can support your clients in staying protected.

The evolving threat to media production companies

The scam in question involved fraudsters impersonating a well-known international brand. Using a legitimate-looking email address and LinkedIn profile, they approached a small production company with a seemingly urgent filming request. They specified exact camera models, lighting kit and technical shooting parameters, and even drew up contracts and floor markings ahead of the shoot.

On the day, the crew were asked to leave their kit set up at a remote Airbnb while they went offsite to sign NDAs – giving the fraudsters an opportunity to steal the gear. Luckily, the production team refused, and the job was abruptly “cancelled”. The client vanished, and follow-up calls to the real brand revealed the whole thing had been a con.

This wasn’t a basic smash-and-grab – it was a calculated effort to exploit the production industry’s fast pace and tendency toward informal arrangements, especially for short-notice bookings.

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What this means for insurance brokers

As a broker, you are often your client’s first port of call for advice – not just on claims, but on risk prevention too. And in this case, the risk isn’t hypothetical. There has been a rise in theft-related claims involving film and TV kit, particularly for camera equipment hired or used on location.

Here’s how you can help your media clients reduce their exposure:

1. Start the risk conversation early

Clients often come to you for a quote – but don’t wait for them to ask about theft protection specifically. Use your product knowledge to prompt a conversation about:

• How and where equipment is stored
• Whether it’s ever left unattended on location
• How they verify last-minute bookings or new clients
• Whether they use tracking or inventory software for valuable kit

Your ability to spot weak points in their risk management could make all the difference.

2. Advise on key covers for theft and fraud

Make sure your clients understand what their insurance does – and doesn’t – cover when it comes to theft:

• Full theft cover – even from vehicles, hotels or locations
• Fraudulent hire cover – protection against this exact type of scam
• Hired-in equipment – cover when kit is being rented for productions
• Continuing hire costs – if stolen kit means your client faces penalties
• Worldwide protection – particularly important for touring productions or overseas shoots

At Yutree, we offer cover through our Media & Entertainment by Yutree scheme – backed by specialist underwriters who understand this sector inside out.

3. Encourage vigilance on set and on location

The most effective risk prevention often comes down to simple behaviours:

• Never leaving equipment unattended, even at trusted locations
• Verifying clients independently, especially for last-minute jobs
• Asking questions about payment terms and legitimacy
• Documenting setup and inventory at every stage of a shoot

As an insurance broker, you can help reinforce this by sharing real-world examples like the one above (anonymised, of course) to make the risks feel tangible and immediate.

4. Partner with the right underwriter

The best way to support clients in the media space is to work with insurers who understand their world. At Yutree, our Media & Entertainment product is:

• Backed by Tokio Marine HCC
• Designed specifically for film, TV and creative businesses
• Capable of handling the unique risks of production work
• Supported by underwriters who’ll talk through risks with you directly

In the event of a claim, we work with specialist loss adjusters who know how to assess production-related losses quickly and fairly.

This scam may have been unsuccessful – but next time, the outcome might not be so fortunate. As a broker, you have a vital role to play in both placing the right cover and helping your clients build a culture of caution.

Let us help you support them.

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