A 24 year-old Quesnel man who set his car on fire and then subsequently made a fraudulent insurance claim has been convicted of four criminal code offences, including fraud of more than $5,000.
October 2008, Michael David Garcia contacted Quesnel RCMP to report his black newer model Honda Civic stolen from his home.
He then filed a claim with ICBC. Just two days later, Garcia went out and bought a high-end luxury vehicle, a 2003 Hummer, anticipating a payout for his reportedly stolen vehicle. Only days later, Garcia’s burned-out Honda was located at a 4×4 pit area in Quesnel.
An investigation by the RCMP and ICBC’s special investigations unit uncovered that prior to making the theft claim, Garcia had attended the Honda dealership in Quesnel to find out what the buyout would be on his 2008 Honda and mentioned that he was looking to upgrade to a Hummer.
After Garcia had reported the theft and made the insurance claim, he told ICBC that he had not considered selling or trading the vehicle.
B.C. Supreme Court in Quesnel convicted Garcia of four criminal charges: public mischief, arson for fraudulent purposes, perjury and fraud over $5,000.
“Insurance fraud is not victimless – it is a serious crime that steals hard-earned money from the overwhelming majority of our honest customers,” manager of ICBC’s special investigations unit, Steve Tripp said.
“Our customers don’t deserve to be exploited in this way and we will do everything we can to protect them.”
You can help combat fraud. Anyone with information regarding suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims is encouraged to call ICBC’s fraud tips line at 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844, toll free from anywhere in the province. Tip information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
