Michigan Issues Fines In Alleged Title Company Insurance Fraud

Michigan regulators issued a final cease-and-desist order Wednesday against Cedar Hawk Title Company and its employees, Victoria Lansen and Tabria Josey, forbidding further violation of the Michigan Insurance Code.

Cedar Hawk is accused of posing as a Michigan-based title insurance company and selling fraudulent title insurance online to consumers and operating without a license. The case was investigated by DIFS after a consumer became suspicious of requested wire transfers totaling nearly $150,000 while purchasing a home in November 2020.

The skeptical consumer, with the assistance of law enforcement, was able to successfully halt the transfers of funds before they could be finalized.

“As the agency charged with overseeing Michigan’s insurance and financial industries, we are responsible for ensuring that consumers have safe access to legitimate services,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is committed to protecting Michigan consumers and prosecuting those attempting to commit fraud.”

Michigan regulators filed the initial order to cease and desist on Feb. 8, 2021. Josey was the only defendant to respond, the state said, but did not contest the findings of fact.

The final order authorizes the DIFS director to fine the respondents $15,000 each, with Josey and Lansen fined an additional $7,500 for violations.