Former Visalia insurance agent arraigned after allegedly stealing from client
News: 2021 Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Formerly licensed insurance agent, Mandy Pruitt, 42, of Visalia, was arraigned today on one count of grand theft after she allegedly stole more than $4,400 from a client and used the money to pay for personal expenses.
The alleged crime was reported to the Department of Insurance after the victim noticed several unauthorized charges on their bank statement totaling $4,429. An investigation by the Department revealed that Pruitt worked for an insurance agency that sold insurance to the victim and had access to their bank account information.
Investigators found the unauthorized charges were made by Pruitt and that the funds were used to pay for her personal expenses, including her car loan, electric bill, and satellite TV bill.
Pruitt’s insurance license was revoked by the Department on September 30, 2020. She is scheduled to return to court on May 26, 2021. This case is being prosecuted by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.
Consumers can check the license status of their agent or broker or contact the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 if they suspect they are victims of insurance fraud.
# # #
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
