Georgia Agent Arrested for Premium Theft
An investigation by the Georgia Department of Insurance’s Fraud Division has resulted in the arrest of an agent in Gwinnett County insurance for fraud, according to a statement from Commissioner Ralph Hudgens.
Julia Cruz, 37, of Norcross, has been charged with two counts of insurance fraud and one count of theft by conversion. She was arrested August 11 and transported to the Gwinnett County Jail.
Fraud investigators allege that Cruz, who owns and operates Platinum Agency & Services in Lilburn, Ga., allegedly pocketed a cash payment of $3,695 from her client for workers’ compensation and liability insurance and issued him a bogus certificate as proof of coverage.
“Cruz violated her client’s trust when she took his premium and didn’t bind the coverage” said Hudgens. “My office will continue to investigate and arrest dishonest agents.”
Hudgens said anyone who has purchased insurance from Cruz or Platinum Agency & Services to verify their coverage with the insurance company listed on the policy or contact the Consumer Services Division for assistance.
Insurance fraud is a felony with a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Source: Georgia Department of Insurance