Six Charged in Michigan Auto Insurance Fraud Ring

The lawyer referral service 1-800-USLawyer was used to orchestrate an insurance fraud ring, according to a news release issued by the Michigan Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DFIS) on April 27. Auto accident victims who called the hotline were directed to participating law firms and medical services, in a scheme that dates to 2013. The victims were allegedly treated with unnecessary medical procedures and medications that were billed to no-fault auto insurance companies or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.

The FBI started the investigation several years ago, and ultimately indicted three defendants. The FBI then referred the case to Michigan authorities, who spent four years interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants to build their case.

Five Michigan residents and one New Jersey resident are being charged by Michigan law enforcement with a range of crimes, including insurance fraud, false pretenses, and conducting a criminal enterprise. The charges were filed in Clinton Township. Additional details on the participants are available in the news release titled, Six People Charged with Criminal Enterprise Targeting Accident Victims.