New York State Police and Department of Financial Services Uncover Staged Crashes and Fraudulent Insurance Claims Throughout New York State
Builds on Governor Hochul’s Efforts to Lower Auto Insurance Costs by Tackling Fraud, Waste and Abuse That Drive Up Costs for New York Drivers
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a joint investigative partnership by members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) resulted in the arrests of 16 individuals as part of ongoing and joint auto insurance fraud investigations. The joint investigation uncovered nearly $500,000 in attempted fraudulent claims across more than a dozen cases in New York City and Suffolk, Onondaga, Monroe, and Erie counties. The arrests follow major reforms enacted earlier this year by Governor Hochul as part of her statewide effort to combat staged crashes, fraudulent insurance claims and other schemes that drive up auto insurance costs for New Yorkers.
“Auto insurance fraud is not a victimless crime — every staged crash, fraudulent claim and criminal scheme ultimately drives up costs for New Yorkers who play by the rules,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re cracking down on fraudsters and making it clear that New York will not tolerate criminals gaming the system at the expense of hardworking families.”
The 16 arrests announced today include 31 total charges – 29 felonies and 2 misdemeanors across the following counties:
County | Total Arrests |
Bronx | 7 |
Erie | 1 |
Kings | 2 |
Monroe | 1 |
Queens | 1 |
Onondaga | 1 |
Richmond | 1 |
Suffolk | 2 |
Two cases highlight the ongoing work of the task force:
In Brooklyn, investigators examined a December 2, 2025 crash in which a driver allegedly caused a collision by deliberately cutting in front of another vehicle at an intersection. Investigators say the suspect falsely accused the other driver of running a stop sign and collected more than $16,000 in medical insurance claims.
Video evidence shows the suspect's vehicle turning into the other car, according to investigators. Police arrested the suspect on charges of third-degree insurance fraud, a class D felony, as well as first-degree falsifying business records, second-degree staging a motor vehicle accident and third-degree criminal mischief, all class E felonies. The investigation remains ongoing.
On March 18, 2026, multiple actors staged an accident in the Bronx, NY. Following the accident, the suspects involved received medical treatment from injuries they alleged from the staged accident, which resulted in more than $70,000 worth of fraudulent medical expenses. Both suspects were arrested and charged with Insurance Fraud 2nd degree–C Felony, Attempted Grand Larceny 2nd degree-D Felony and Falsifying Business Records 1st-E Felony.
Investigations remain ongoing, with additional enforcement actions expected. Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of insurance fraud is urged to call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 888-372-8369 or visit dfs.ny.gov/consumers to file an online report.
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