There are a number of different types of fraud that interest Chicago, Illinois and federal investigators, including schemes involving mortgages, health care, taxes, embezzlement and more. We read recently of allegations that three people far south of us participated in an insurance fraud involving motor vehicle identification numbers (VIN).
The three suspects have been charged with insurance fraud, as well as theft by deception and falsification of identification numbers.
A VIN is a unique code used by the auto industry to identify vehicles; VINs are also used by law enforcement, insurance companies, car dealers, towing companies and other to ID vehicles.
Georgia officials said the three defendants were all out on bond from 2017 arrests in which they were accused of participating in an insurance fraud scheme in which car accidents were allegedly staged. Twenty-six people were arrested in that case, a news source stated.
In the recent case, law enforcement officials believe the suspects bought new, high-end vehicles and then purchased auto insurance for the vehicles. They then bought older, damaged vehicles of the same make and model to switch the VINs and then file damage claims with the insurance companies. They then allegedly sold the new, undamaged vehicles using the VINs from the damaged vehicles.
Authorities say they are still looking for three other people allegedly involved in the scheme.
In cases such as this, it is important to have on your side a criminal defense attorney experienced in handling white collar crime allegations and analyzing evidence so that your rights and freedom are protected in any negotiations and at trial.
