Fraud of the Week

Vehicle Arson – California

Amount: $27,041

An insured was charged with five felony counts of insurance fraud after it was discovered that his vehicle was not actually stolen then burned, but that he set fire to it himself then later reported it stolen and filed a claim with his insurance company. The company declared the vehicle a total loss of $27,041.   The vehicle showed no signs of forced entry or ignition tampering, and the insured's story to investigators was inconsistent. His co-conspirator has been charged with one felony count of insurance fraud.