Three women recently apprehended in a raid at a Hialeah rehabilitation clinic, accused of participating in an auto insurance fraud scheme, have appeared in court and have since been released on bail from TGK Jail. The women, whose nationalities have not been disclosed, have been identified as Maray Arteaga (39), Elizabeth Montero (45), and Heidy Mercedes Pérez González (26).
The alleged organized fraud network operated out of Wise Care Corp., a clinic in northwest Miami that opened approximately six months ago. Investigations suggest that Arteaga owned Wise Care Corp., while Montero worked as a "therapist" and Pérez González served as a receptionist.
The authorities assert that the scheme involved staging fictitious vehicle accidents to facilitate fraudulent claims against insurance companies. Patients were reportedly coached to seek fake medical services, resulting in fraudulent reports to justify substantial insurance payouts.
Clinics like these were part of a broader system designed to report fake accidents and direct supposed victims to receive "medical therapies" at these facilities. "One was the owner, another allegedly the therapist, and the third the receptionist. All part of fake accidents leading to these clinics where supposed therapies occur," explained Argemis Colomé, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade police, as reported by Telemundo 51.
"The worst part is that they're billing insurance companies astronomical amounts, affecting everyone. That's why insurance rates are so high," Colomé added. "We've had to create a special unit to train officers to identify false cases. Since its inception, more than 52 individuals have been arrested," he concluded.
The investigation leading to the arrest of these women originated from a vehicle accident reported in July of this year. Authorities revealed that Cynthia Reyes and Yamil Peniche Lugo, who were also arrested, simulated an accident to obtain fraudulent benefits. On October 30, Reyes and Peniche Lugo filed an insurance claim through Wise Care Corp., prompting fraud detectives to uncover the scheme.
During the raid, law enforcement confiscated physical evidence, including boxes and bags filled with documents and other pertinent materials. The clinic advertised itself on its website as providing "comprehensive and top-quality accident care," focusing on treating personal injuries and car accidents.
Understanding Insurance Fraud in Miami Clinics
What roles did the arrested women have in the fraud scheme?
Maray Arteaga owned the clinic, Elizabeth Montero acted as a "therapist," and Heidy Mercedes Pérez González worked as a receptionist.
How did the fraud scheme operate?
The scheme involved staging fake car accidents to file fraudulent claims with insurance companies, using fabricated medical reports to justify large payouts.
What prompted the investigation into Wise Care Corp.?
The investigation stemmed from a reported vehicle accident in July, leading to the discovery of the fraudulent activities when an insurance claim was filed through the clinic.