Florida Men Charged with Fraud in Staged Auto Accident Scheme

Four men in Miami-Dade County, Florida, have been implicated in a staged auto accident scheme, resulting in fraudulent insurance claims exceeding $50,000. The alleged scam involved a gold 2006 Honda Odyssey rear-ending a red 2022 Toyota Corolla near State Road 826. Initial reports suggested it was an accident, but an investigation by Detective Jorge Rodriguez from the Florida Department of Financial Services revealed otherwise.

Evidence showed that the men, who were acquainted, intentionally crashed the vehicles and submitted false documentation to support their claims. The insurance companies involved, Progressive and National General, paid out $32,000 and $24,000, respectively. Further investigation into the Toyota’s data recorder revealed discrepancies in the crash details, indicating the airbags were not deployed and the brakes were not used at the time of impact.

The men reportedly sought treatment at several medical centers, but the claims for damages were inconsistent with the data collected. Two of the men have been booked on charges including insurance fraud, grand theft, and participation in an organized scheme to defraud. The other two suspects remain at large.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information on this case or similar incidents to contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers.