San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimates insurance fraud to add up to more than $40 billion per year. Because fraud accounts for 10% of the money that insurance companies pay out each year, insurance premiums are higher for everyone. In the event you are accused of insurance fraud, seek legal representation from an experienced insurance fraud lawyer due to impact the accusation will have on your life.
What is Insurance Fraud?
Insurance fraud is when someone intentionally gives wrong or dishonest information for financial gain. Insurance fraud comes in several forms and include the following:
- Auto insurance fraud
- Unemployment insurance fraud
- Medical or health insurance fraud
- Committing arson or setting property on fire to collect insurance money
- Homeowner’s insurance fraud
- Life insurance fraud
Insurance fraud involves any act of making a false statement relating to an insurance claim. A prime example of insurance fraud is contacting the insurance company with a false accident claim on a vehicle in order to recover funds.
Insurance fraud is a serious offense and the State of California takes it as such. California laws evoke strict punishments for offenders of fraud such as fines and imprisonment.
Fraud Accusations
If you are intentionally making false statements in order to gain something that you would not have otherwise had, you are committing insurance fraud.
Sometimes when a person loses money, they will point the finger at someone else and accuse them of insurance fraud. An investigation will be launched. Then, investigating authorities and law enforcement will gather evidence such as audio recordings, cameras, cell phones, and interviewers’ others.
Law enforcement authorities will use tactics during interrogation to get you to admit that you committed insurance fraud by telling you that they have evidence against you. For these reasons, you should have a skilled insurance fraud lawyer by your side. Your lawyer will be able to fight the accusations with one word – intent.
Intent is the primary defense in insurance fraud. For you to be convicted of insurance fraud, intent must be proven. You must have intended to defraud. You must also be aware or knowledgeable of the fact that you are defrauding the insurance company. Your lawyer will work to dispute the allegation and prove your innocence by using the intent defense as well as any other defenses and strategies that apply to your unique accusation.
I am Facing Charges for Insurance Fraud. What do I do?
Get legal advice immediately. Do not try to handle insurance fraud alone. Contact an experienced insurance fraud defense attorney now. Remember, law enforcement will use anything you say can be used against you in court. Continue reading