Florida Couple Arrested for Faking Car Crashes and Scamming $370,000 in Insurance Claims
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Two suspects in Florida have been arrested after investigators say they staged multiple fake car crashes and filed fraudulent insurance claims totaling more than $370,000. Officials said the pair deliberately caused the collisions to collect payouts for fake medical injuries and vehicle damage.
Investigators Detail Large-Scale Insurance Fraud Scheme
According to the Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, the suspects — identified as Samil Morales Pena and Glenys Pena Perez — allegedly organized at least three staged crashes across the state. After each incident, they reportedly filed insurance claims for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and personal injuries that never actually occurred.
Investigators said the couple’s fraudulent activities added up to $371,176 in total claims submitted to multiple insurance companies.
Video Evidence Captured the Pair Staging Crashes
Officials confirmed that video evidence played a key role in the arrests. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Pena and Perez deliberately causing the crashes before pulling over and pretending to be victims.
“These individuals put innocent drivers in danger with their reckless actions,” Ingoglia said in a statement. “Their arrests send a strong message that Florida will not tolerate insurance fraud or schemes that jeopardize public safety.”
Arrests Part of Ongoing Statewide Crackdown
Both suspects were booked into a state corrections facility and now face multiple felony charges related to insurance fraud and staged accident schemes. Investigators said the case remains under active review as they continue to determine whether additional crashes were involved.
The arrests are part of a broader statewide effort by Florida’s Department of Financial Services to combat insurance fraud, which officials say has increased sharply in recent years.
Public Officials Warn of Growing Insurance Scams
Authorities have urged motorists and insurers to remain alert for suspicious accidents or claims that appear staged. The state’s Chief Financial Office reminded residents that fraudulent insurance activity not only endangers other drivers but also contributes to rising costs for honest policyholders.
“These scams are not victimless,” Ingoglia added. “Every fraudulent claim drives up premiums for hardworking Floridians.”
What’s your take — should penalties for large-scale insurance fraud be even tougher? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
