CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Naples Acupuncturist for
Insurance Fraud, Grand Theft
4/17/2012
Contact: Anna Alexopoulos
(850) 413-2842
TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced today the arrest of a Naples
acupuncturist for insurance fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification information.
Dr. Sebiha Ozturk, 30, of Naples Acupuncture and Health Clinic, allegedly billed State Farm Fire and
Casualty and Safeco Insurance companies for medical treatments that she never performed.
Investigations conducted by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud
revealed Dr. Ozturk billed Safeco over $17,000 and State Farm Fire and Casualty Company over $5,000
in fraudulent acupuncture treatments. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in clinic documents and
witness testimony from one of the patient’s employers confirming that the patient wasn’t even in town to
receive treatment on the treatment dates for which Dr. Ozturk submitted insurance claims.
Dr. Ozturk was booked into the Collier County Jail. If convicted, she faces up to seven years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Division of Insurance Fraud, the law enforcement arm of the
Department of Financial Services responsible for investigating all insurance fraud in Florida. Anyone
with information about these or any other incidents of suspected insurance fraud is asked to call 1-800378-0445. Citizens who provide tips can remain anonymous.
The Department of Financial Services to date has awarded almost $275,000 to more than 40 citizens as
part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program. The program rewards individuals up to $25,000 for information
that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme.
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial
Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government,
reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing
transparency and accountability in spending.