Insurance Commissioner Poizner Announces Conviction of Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Perpetrator

RIVERSIDE - Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today the conviction of a Pomona man for workers' compensation insurance fraud. On August 14, 2007, Manuel Carreon, 45, of Pomona, was convicted on one felony count of workers' compensation insurance fraud. Carreon was sentenced to two years in state prison for attempting to swindle his insurance company out of more than $100,000.

"Defrauding insurance companies is a serious crime that hurts everyone," said Commissioner Poizner. "When scam artists dishonestly collect disability benefits, they steal from a system that's in place to protect people, and that's wrong. The Department will continue to actively track down criminals who cheat California consumers."

In February, Carreon was arrested for workers' compensation fraud, following an investigation by California Department of Insurance Fraud investigators. In 2003, Carreon reported that he strained his back working as a nursing assistant. He was placed on temporary total disability and received benefits. In 2004, Carreon sought employment and was hired as a carpenter for Howard Roberts Development, while receiving temporary total disability. Shortly after being hired, he was examined by his physician and falsely claimed that he was still injured. He also failed to inform his doctor that he was working at the time of the examination. Hartford Casualty Insurance Company lost more than $100,000 in medical, legal and investigative costs, in addition to benefit payments, due to Carreon's scheme. The Riverside County District Attorney's Office prosecuted this case.

If you would like to report insurance fraud, or if you have any questions regarding insurance, call the Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline.