Search
 

Fraud of the Week: Surf, Sand, and....Auto Fraud?

This past year, Hawaiian residents observed gorgeous sunsets, a temperate climate, and something far less appealing: a wave of auto insurance-related fraud. In fact, the Insurance Fraud Investigation

By Christina Bramlet | Updated on January 19, 2009

This past year, Hawaiian residents observed gorgeous sunsets, a temperate climate, and something far less appealing: a wave of auto insurance-related fraud. In fact, the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Fraud Unit) experienced a 61 percent increase in criminal convictions for motor vehicle insurance fraud in 2008 over the previous year. Convictions rose from 18 in 2006 to 34 in 2007, and 55 in 2008.

Among the barrage were cases involving a Big Island resident, a body shop owner, and a career criminal. Authorities investigated Beverly Medeiros for five separate cases. The Pahoa, Hawaii resident had claimed that she was unable to work because of injuries resulting from an auto accident. Medeiros created fictitious employers and used a post office box address to intercept all related correspondence. Records indicate that she defrauded three separate insurance companies.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.