Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that 16 people were arrested as part of an investigation into auto insurance fraud in New York state.
The investigation uncovered nearly $500,000 in attempted fraudulent claims, according to a release from Hochul’s office.
A 23-year-old woman from Rochester was charged with insurance fraud and identity theft after submitting an insurance claim under a policy in another person’s name, according to the release.
Of the 16 people arrested, 13 were downstate. In total, 31 charges were filed, all but two of which were felonies.
The arrests are part of Hochul’s effort to combat “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,” Hochul said in a statement. “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.”