Arrest warrants have been issued for a general contractor and a subcontractor charged with fraudulently padding an insurance claim. An investigation by the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit found that Lisa Loven, 50, and Jeffrey Scott, 41, filed fake invoices with the insurance company for equipment that wasn’t used.
“Anyone who thinks insurance fraud is a victimless crime is dead wrong,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Insurance fraud leads to higher premiums for everyone. I will do everything in my power to prevent these crimes from happening and to make sure the perpetrators are punished.”
The Anti-Fraud Unit began investigating Loven in May after receiving complaints she was acting as an unlicensed public adjuster. One complaint involved an Edmond church that had received roof damage during a hailstorm on May 29, 2012. Investigators found Loven had submitted a typed invoice for $14,923 to pay for a rented crane to remove the church steeple.
When investigators contacted the owner of the crane rental company, he said he had never worked on the church and that his invoices are handwritten. The owner said he provided a handwritten estimate to subcontractor Jeff Scott of Edmond Roofing. After speaking with an independent adjuster hired by the insurance company, investigators learned that a crane was not used on the church repairs and the steeple was not removed.
Investigators believe Loven and Scott worked together to submit false documents to the insurance company for personal benefit. The Oklahoma County District Attorney has charged them with one count each of conspiracy to commit a felony and false claim for insurance.
