NOVI (WWJ) -- A Clarkston woman is facing possible prison time for insurance fraud and forgery after authorities say she lied to her insurance company about a stolen vehicle.
In 2020, after reporting that her vehicle had been stolen, 32-year-old Brittany Brown allegedly filed a false auto insurance claim with State Farm Insurance.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday that Brown has been arraigned in Oakland County 52-1 District Court in Novi on the following felony charges:
- One count of false pretenses $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, punishable by 15 years and/or $15,000;
- One count license documents/plates- forgery, punishable by one to five years and/or $500-$5,000; and
- One count insurance- fraudulent acts, punishable by four years and/or $50,000.
When failing her claim, Brown is accused of falsely stating that there was no lien on her vehicle, and that she had installed wheelchair equipment on it. Brown is also accused of knowingly submitting a forged title to State Farm Insurance that concealed the lien.
Brown received over $42,000 from State Farm on the fraudulent insurance claim, according to Nessel's office.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) collaborated with the AG's office to pursue the case against Brown and recover the money she fraudulently received.
“People who commit insurance fraud have a potential impact on all drivers in Michigan,” said Nessel, in a statement. “My department is committed to pursuing these cases and holding accountable those who defraud the system.”
"Lying to an insurance company in order to receive more money for a claim than is warranted is a crime and can drive up insurance premiums for all Michiganders,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit is committed to uncovering insurance fraud to protect Michigan consumers, and we urge individuals to report suspected fraud to our department by calling 877-999-6442 or visiting our website.”
Magistrate Andra Richardson set bond for Brown at $5,000 cash.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for August 26 and a preliminary exam is scheduled for August 31.
Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS' website. In most of these cases, tipsters may remain anonymous.
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