Insurance Fraud & Credit Card Fraud

In Florida, a charge of insurance fraud can take many forms, including charges arising from false Medicare and Medicaid claims and fraudulent claims made to workers’ compensation and auto insurance providers. Moreover, the complexity of today’s billing and coding procedures has led State Prosecutors to investigate many doctors and healthcare providers for Health Insurance Fraud. Prosecutors can charge insurance fraud offenses as misdemeanors or felonies. In some cases, such as when someone is accused of staging an accident, a judge may impose mandatory minimum prison terms.

Insurance Fraud Charges in Florida

The State of Florida can also prosecute those they suspect of making False Home Insurance Claims. In Central Florida, authorities regularly charge individuals with Burning to Defraud an Insurer (Florida Statute § 817.233), which they commonly associate with Arson.

Under Florida Statute § 806.01, prosecutors must prove that insurance fraud was committed willfully. This makes these cases challenging to prove in court. Insurance fraud is classified as a third-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to five years in state prison.

If authorities have charged you with insurance fraud related to a fire claim or another reason, contact us immediately before you speak to anyone else, including the authorities or the insurance company.

Credit Card Fraud in Florida

Credit card fraud occurs when someone intentionally deceives another person or business to obtain money or goods. In Florida, prosecutors can file charges if a person:

• Uses a credit card linked to a closed account.
• Uses a stolen or lost credit card to make a purchase.
• Commits misappropriation, meaning they use a stolen credit card number to make unauthorized transactions.

Both state and federal agencies investigate credit card fraud cases. However, most are prosecuted by the U.S. Secret Service.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton have successfully defended fraud cases brought by the government. If you have been charged with an insurance fraud crime, please contact us for a consultation.