N.J. Woman Charged with Automobile Insurance Application Fraud

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn McKoy announced that the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor has obtained a State Grand Jury indictment charging a Passaic County woman with falsifying an automobile insurance application in order to obtain coverage at a lower cost.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Ana Carmona, 56, of Passaic, was charged with insurance fraud (2nd degree) and attempted theft by deception (3rd degree). If convicted on both counts, Carmona faces up to 15 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $165,000. Carmona also faces civil insurance fraud fines.

The indictment alleges that on or about Dec. 4, 2003, Carmona went to an insurance agency and submitted an application for an automobile insurance policy. During the application process, Carmona was asked whether there were any other licensed drivers in the household and, if so, were any of their licenses suspended. Carmona allegedly answered that there were no other licensed drivers at her home. It is charged that Carmona falsely stated to the insurance agent that her children, who had drivers’ licenses, did not live with her.

An investigation by the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that, at the time she submitted the application, Carmona had three children possessing drivers’ licenses at her home, two of whom allegedly had their licenses suspended.

The application was submitted to the Clarendon National Insurance Company. It is charged that as a result of Carmona’s alleged misrepresentations, she paid at least $4,400 per year less than the value of the policy claiming all drivers.