Three women — Heidy Gonzalez-Perez (26), Elizabeth Montero (45), and Maray Arteaga (39) — were arrested on December 16, 2024, at the Wise Care Corp. Clinic in northwest Miami-Dade for allegedly running an elaborate insurance fraud scheme. The women, who held various roles at the clinic, faced charges including racketeering and grand theft. They appeared before a judge on December 17, 2024, and were granted bond amounts between $26,000 and $40,000.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the scheme involved recruiting individuals to participate in staged car accidents. These recruits would then be sent to the Wise Care Corp. Clinic to claim medical treatment they never actually received. Despite the lack of real care, the clinic submitted fraudulent insurance claims to collect payouts.
Detectives discovered numerous pre and postdated medical forms and blank insurance claims already signed by patients—many of whom had never stepped foot in the clinic. These documents were submitted to insurance companies as if legitimate treatment had occurred.
The investigation into the clinic began after two drivers, Cynthia Reyes and Yamil Peniche-Lugo, were arrested in July of 2024 for staging an accident in which they confessed to their involvement. Surprisingly, an insurance claim was filed three months later, prompting authorities to uncover a deeper operation at Wise Care Corp.
This case is part of a broader crackdown led by a new pilot program within the Miami-Dade Police Department aimed at combating rising insurance fraud. Since its launch in March of 2024, the initiative has led to 104 arrests. Lt. Lazaro Torres, who leads the effort, previously worked in the insurance industry and was motivated by his experience to tackle these crimes. He described a coordinated network of clinics, attorneys, and auto repair shops working together in these scams, which contribute to Florida’s high insurance rates.
Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute emphasized the broader impact, noting that Florida ranks among the top three states for insurance fraud, with approximately 1,100 staged accidents annually. He stated that such fraud costs Floridians hundreds of dollars more on their insurance premiums each year, with Miami consistently ranking as one of the top metro areas for staged accidents.