WHEN money gets tight it might seem like a good idea to commit insurance fraud.
Mandurah detective senior sergeant Carlos Correia is warning people in financial dire straights not to go down this path.
Det Sgt Correia recently arrested a 32-year-old man for falsely reporting that his Landcruiser was stolen, in December last year, from the front verge of his home.
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READ NOWThe car was insured for $15,000.
Det Sgt Correia alleges the man made a false claim to his insurer that his car had been stolen and he had reported it to police.
The detective further alleges that the fraudulent action resulted in his insurance company paying him out.
“On March 15, Mandurah detectives proactive team acted on information received and attended a residential property in Dawesville,” Det Sgt Correia said.
“A search recovered the partly stripped 1990 Toyota Landcruiser in a rear shed.”
The 32-year-old man was charged fraud soon after.
Det Sgt Correia said fraud is punishable by a term of seven years imprisonment.
As times get tough, Det Sgt Correia is warning people not to think of insurance fraud as a solution to financial troubles.
The accused is expected to appear in Mandurah Magistrates Court on March 29.