The short answer
Cases may involve auto, property, health, life, disability, or workers’ compensation insurance. They often begin with an insurer’s investigation before police make an arrest.
What investigators look at
- Claim forms and recorded statements
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates, invoices, and photographs
- Emails, texts, phone data, and financial records
- Whether different people gave inconsistent accounts
How large is the problem?
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, citing the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, estimates that fraud across all U.S. insurance lines costs businesses and consumers $308.6 billion a year. That is a nationwide estimate—not a Maryland conviction total.
What prosecutors generally must prove
The exact elements depend on the charge. Usually, the State must prove a knowingly false or misleading act, the required intent, and a connection between the accused person and the statement, document, or scheme.
Common defense questions
- Was it intentional, or was it an error or misunderstanding?
- Who prepared or submitted the disputed document?
- Was the statement important to the insurer’s decision?
- Do the full records support the investigator’s summary?
- Was evidence obtained lawfully?
What to do if an investigator contacts you
- Do not destroy, edit, or “clean up” records.
- Preserve receipts, messages, photos, estimates, and calendars.
- Do not guess during a recorded interview.
- Speak with counsel before giving a statement.
Learn more about our Maryland criminal-defense practice, or call 410.268.5515.
Reviewed by Mandeep S. Chhabra, Managing Member, August 2026. This article provides general information about Maryland law and is not legal advice.