Michigan woman charged with insurance fraud

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox announced today that an Oakland County woman charged with auto insurance fraud has been arraigned.

Cathy Rice, 60, of Bloomfield Hills, was arraigned on November 28 in Oakland County’s 48th District Court on the following felonies:

• one count of false pretenses $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, punishable by 5 years and/or $10,000, and
• one count of insurance–fraudulent acts, punishable by 4 years and/or $50,000.

“When insurance fraud is committed, everyone pays. Not only does the defrauded party suffer a loss, but fraud can drive up insurance premiums for all Michiganders,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “If you suspect insurance fraud, I urge you to report it online at Michgan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS or by calling 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

The complaint alleges that in 2020, Rice was paid over $12,000 for case management services to an auto accident survivor that were never provided. The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit was assisted by the Bloomfield Township Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office in this investigation.

Rice has a preliminary examination set for January 12, 2023.