Long Island Insurance Broker Bilked Client Of $1.5K For Fake Auto Insurance: PD

RIDGE, NY — An independent insurance broker was arrested Monday after Suffolk police say he sold a fake auto insurance policy to a Shirley man.

The man contacted police on March 29 after he gave money to pay for an auto insurance policy to Joseph Cawley on March 16 but did not receive any identification cards for the policy, police said.

In total, the victim paid more than $1,550 for the policy, which did not exist, police said, adding that after an investigation, 7th Squad detectives arrested Cawley at his home in Ridge, at around 1:38 p.m.

Cawley, 37, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court on a later date.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of the scam is asked to contact the 7th Squad in Shirley at 631-852-8752.