N.Y. Man Arrested for Making Fraudulent Property Claims

It was a busy week for the New York Insurance Department’s Fraud Squad. In addition to arresting three men charged in a motorcycle scam ring in the Bronx (see article), Superintendent Gregory Serio also announced the arrest of Roberto A. Fonzi of Baldwinsville, New York, on two counts of Insurance Fraud in the third degree and two counts of Grand Larceny in the third degree for submitting fraudulent claims forms to both Madison Mutual Insurance Company and Allstate Insurance Company.

Fonzi, 49, allegedly filed a claim with Madison Mutual claiming damages to rental property he owned in Syracuse as the result of a storm in December 2000 . He was subsequently issued an emergency repair check in the amount $3,601.64 by Madison Mutual; however, an investigation revealed that all damages to the property existed prior to the storm.

In a separate investigation Fonzi was found to have allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim to Allstate Insurance Company for his sister who lived in Utica, claiming that there was property damage due to a flood. He submitted over $4,000 in fictitious/fraudulent receipts regarding damaged property.

The announcement indicated that Fonzi was arrested on Thursday, and was arraigned in Onondaga County Court. He has been released on his own recognizance.