'Scam Artist' Adjuster from Coral Springs Accused of $11 Million Auto Insurance Fraud

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – A Coral Springs woman was arrested this week after state investigators accused her of leading a massive automobile insurance fraud while working as a claims adjuster.

According to the office of state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Angela Marie Augustine made 1,255 fraudulent payments to at least 326 co-conspirators in the $11.6 million scheme, according to a new release.

Augustine, 41, faces charges including scheme to defraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal information.

Officials said between December 2018 and October 2022, Augustine, "re-opened numerous previously closed or settled claims," the release said.

Augustine "fabricated claims on auto insurance policies creating fictitious claimants and documented fictitious scenarios, along with fake documentation, including photos and repair estimates where alleged fictitious claimants suffered damages to either vehicle or other property, to issue liability claim payments," investigators said in the release.

She would then "adjust reserves to support the false documentation and make payments on the claim in the amount matching the falsified documentation. In furtherance of the alleged fraud, the co-conspirators would cash the fraudulent insurance proceeds at a local check-cashing store," the release said.**BULLSEYE

Augustine faces up to 55 years behind bars, officials said.

Officials expect to make additional arrests.

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