According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, it is estimated that insurance fraud costs Americans $875 per person each year and the financial loss is estimated at $80 billion annually. Additionally, Medicare estimates that health insurance fraud costs the government a whopping $179 billion per year.

Also referred to as “false insurance claims,” insurance fraud occurs most often when a person with insurance or a business makes a false or exaggerated insurance claim. These individuals and businesses are typically seeking quick cash for injuries or losses that do not exist. Customers can also be the victims of insurance fraud in two ways: through the sale of unlicensed or fake insurance coverage to unsuspecting clients, and by an insurance agent or broker that flat out steals insurance premiums paid by customers.

Insurance Fraud is a felony. In general, it is punishable by 5-7 years in prison or more. This means, if you are convicted of Insurance Fraud, you will likely spend time in jail or prison, you will have to pay fines, and it is almost guaranteed that you will be sued by the insurance company or individuals involved in the case.

If you have been accused of Insurance Fraud, whether you are guilty or not, you should hire a criminal lawyer or attorney. If you are suing a convicted criminal for damages resulting from Insurance Fraud, you should hire a civil lawyer or attorney. If the person was not convicted and you want to sue for damages, you should still hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you have been arrested for Insurance Fraud, you must request an attorney at the time you are arrested or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. A good criminal attorney will be familiar with important Insurance Fraud laws of the state in which the crime took place, they will be familiar with local court customs and procedures, and they will also have a clear understanding of the "hidden costs" of pleading guilty.

When searching for a criminal lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association. The ABA site offers free access to their lawyer locator to help you find a criminal lawyer or attorney in your area.

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