Auto Fraud and Theft

Investigators with the CDI Criminal Investigations Branch’s Fraud Division arrested a Modesto man on two counts of insurance fraud. If convicted, Jose Munoz could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.

According to investigators, on Aug. 21, 2001, Munoz reportedly submitted an automobile insurance claim with Farmers Fire Exchange for vandalism to his 1993 Mazda Miata. Munoz claimed the exterior of the vehicle was scratched and the interior seats and door panels were ripped and torn.

On Sept. 12, 2001, Farmers discovered an insurance claim from the previous owner of this same vehicle in which she had reported her vehicle stolen. Upon recovery of the vehicle, it was found that the exterior was scratched and the interior seats and door panels were ripped.

The investigation revealed that photos from a previous claim file showed the damage Munoz claimed was the exact same damage that had been reported by the previous owner and subsequently paid for by Farmers Insurance Company.