Rochester Man Accused Of Using False Receipts In Claim

NEW YORK, NY (05/19/2010)(readMedia)-- A Rochester man who tried to steal $3,400 by using false receipts to back up a phony insurance claim was arrested Friday, the New York State Insurance Department reported.

Scott Clausen, 43, of Maryknoll Park, is accused of creating receipts in the name of a Rochester computer company and using them to file a claim for computers he said he lost when his basement was flooded. He claimed the receipts were for buying new computer equipment after the flooding last October.

However, an investigation by the Insurance Department's Frauds Bureau and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office revealed that Clausen never purchased new computers or had equipment repaired after the incident. The flooding occurred when a pipe burst as municipal workers were replacing a water meter. Selective Insurance Company, the municipality's insurer, declined to pay Clausen's claim.

Clausen is charged with third degree insurance fraud and second degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. He was released pending a hearing to be scheduled in Monroe County Court.

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