Four Indicted in North Jersey Travel Insurance Scandal

Table of Contents

A Travel Insurance Scam Unveiled

Four individuals, including three from North Jersey, have been indicted in a major travel insurance fraud scheme. The charges include conspiracy, insurance fraud, attempted theft by deception, impersonation, identity theft, and falsifying or tampering with records. One of the defendants, Keyra Carla Liriano, was also charged with theft by deception.

The indictment was returned by a state grand jury last month. The accused individuals are Agustin Matos, 40, from North Haledon; Keyra Carla Liriano, 45, and Patricio Arturo Alfonso, 46, both from Fort Lee; and Kenia Ivonne Vasquez, 44, from the Bronx, New York.

The Nature of the Scam

According to the Attorney General's office, the defendants devised a simple yet potentially profitable scam. They took out multiple travel insurance policies and then filed claims for trips they never actually took and for medical emergencies they allegedly fabricated.

Attorney General Matthews Platkin stated, “The defendants in this case are charged with coming up with a simple − yet potentially lucrative − scam by taking out multiple travel insurance policies and then filing claims against them for trips they never actually took and for medical emergencies they allegedly fabricated.”

The Scope of the Fraud

The scheme operated from April 2022 to August 2023, spanning Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties in New Jersey, as well as other locations. In total, the four individuals attempted to defraud insurance companies of just over $250,000. While most of the fraudulent claims were denied, Liriano managed to obtain $14,835 in claim payments from two carriers, according to officials.

The Impact on Insurance Policies

Insurance is designed to provide coverage for unforeseen events, such as health care emergencies during travel. However, the defendants in this case tried to exploit this system for personal gain.

Theresa L. Hilton, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, emphasized, “Insurance exists for various reasons, and enriching yourself illegally is not one of them. Travel insurance allows people on vacation or business trips to know they are covered for health care in the event of an unforeseen emergency. The defendants we’re charging in this scheme tried to turn it into an illegal business.”

Investigation and Collaboration

The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor investigated this case after receiving a referral from the Special Investigation Unit of American International Group Inc. This collaboration highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between different law enforcement agencies to combat insurance fraud.

Conclusion

This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of fraudulent activities. The defendants' actions not only violated the law but also undermined the integrity of the insurance system. As authorities continue to investigate and prosecute such schemes, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

By understanding the nature of these scams and the impact they can have, individuals can better protect themselves and contribute to a safer financial environment for everyone.