Fremont County man found guilty of felony insurance fraud
Friday February 23, 2024Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID (February 23, 2024) – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced today that Travis Bell of Rexburg, Idaho was sentenced on one count of felony insurance fraud under Idaho Code 41-293(1)(c) in Fremont County on February 13, 2024.
Between April and May of 2019, Bell filed 35 fraudulent claims for wellness visits on an AFLAC policy and received $2,340.00 from ALFAC. The DOI was notified of Mr. Bell’s suspected insurance fraud by AFLAC in June of 2021.
Following a DOI investigation, Bell admitted he filed the false claims to help with personal financial issues. He pleaded guilty to one count of felony insurance fraud in July 2023.
Bell was sentenced to three years of prison (one fixed, two indeterminate) which were suspended for three years of probation. Bell was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, a Healthy Thinking Class, and pay a $500 fine and restitution of $2,340 to AFLAC and $1,205.03 to DOI.
“Insurance fraud is a felony and a major contributor to rising insurance prices for consumers,” said Director Dean Cameron. “A fraudulent claim may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but insurance fraud costs every family in Idaho in the form of higher insurance premiums.”
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About the Department of Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at consumeraffairs@doi.idaho.gov.