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Idaho Insurance Fraud Chronicles: Exploring Notable Cases in the Gem State

by | Apr 18, 2023

Insurance fraud can take many forms, from staged accidents to false injury claims. While Idaho may not have seen multi-million-dollar fraud cases like some other states, it is not immune to the impacts of insurance fraud. In this blog post, we’ll explore some notable insurance fraud cases in Idaho, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting ourselves and our communities from dishonest schemes.

The Staged Car Accident (Boise, Idaho)

In 2015, a Boise man was convicted of insurance fraud after staging a car accident and submitting false injury claims to his insurance company. The man had recruited two friends to help him stage the accident, which involved deliberately crashing their cars into each other. All three individuals filed injury claims, seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. However, their scheme unraveled when investigators discovered inconsistencies in their stories and physical evidence contradicting their claims.

The Arson-for-Profit Scheme (Pocatello, Idaho)

A Pocatello man was charged with insurance fraud and arson in 2017 after intentionally setting fire to his home in an attempt to collect insurance money. The man had taken out a large insurance policy on his house just months before the fire and had removed valuable items from the home before the blaze. Investigators linked the fire to the homeowner through physical evidence and witness statements, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction.

The False Workers’ Compensation Claim (Twin Falls, Idaho)

In 2018, a Twin Falls woman was convicted of insurance fraud after submitting a false workers’ compensation claim. The woman claimed she was injured on the job and unable to work. However, surveillance footage showed her engaging in various activities, including lifting heavy objects and climbing stairs, contradicting her claims of being physically impaired. The woman was ordered to repay the insurance company for the benefits she had fraudulently received and was sentenced to probation.

The Faked Death Scheme (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)

In 2010, a Coeur d’Alene man was convicted of insurance fraud after faking his death to collect on a life insurance policy. The man had disappeared, leaving behind a staged suicide note and an abandoned vehicle, leading authorities to believe he had taken his own life. His wife filed a life insurance claim, but suspicions arose when the man’s body was never found. The investigation eventually led to the man’s discovery, alive and well in another state, and both he and his wife were convicted of insurance fraud.

The Fraudulent Slip-and-Fall Claim (Idaho Falls, Idaho)

In 2016, an Idaho Falls man was convicted of insurance fraud after filing a false slip-and-fall claim against a local business. The man claimed he had slipped on a wet floor and suffered severe injuries, resulting in substantial medical bills and lost wages. However, surveillance footage from the business revealed that the man had intentionally poured water on the floor before staging his fall. Confronted with the evidence, the man ultimately pleaded guilty to insurance fraud.

We’re Here for You

These five examples of insurance fraud cases in Idaho emphasize the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting ourselves and our communities from dishonest schemes. At Page Insurance, we are committed to providing our clients with honest and reliable insurance solutions while promoting awareness of fraud prevention. If you have any questions about your coverage or need assistance finding the right policy, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

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John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.